IDF Soldier Under Investigation for Excessive Force in West Bank
The Military Police have opened an investigation into an Israeli soldier, a trainee in a non-commissioned officers' course, who shot a Palestinian in the leg in the northern West Bank last Friday. The incident occurred near the "Zayit BaGalil" farm in the seam zone after a Jewish shepherd reported feeling threatened by a gathering of Palestinians.
A military force arrived to disperse the crowd. During the operation, one soldier fired at a Palestinian's leg under a suspect apprehension procedure. However, an initial IDF operational debriefing revealed that, contrary to initial reports, no stones were thrown at the shepherd. Video footage also indicated the Palestinian was not holding a stone and did not appear to pose an immediate threat.
Security officials determined the shooting violated open-fire regulations. IDF sources stated the shooting was "disproportionate and exceeded orders." Senior commanders in the Central Command are reportedly concerned about "purity of arms" and incidents of firing contrary to orders. They emphasized that while there is no dilemma when lives are in danger, incidents where the reason for firing is not to remove an immediate threat warrant investigation.
The Military Advocate General's Corps is handling the investigation. The IDF confirmed the incident, stating, "On Friday, an IDF soldier fired during a friction incident in the village of Fiqin in the Menashe Brigade. Following the case, it was decided to open an investigation by the Military Police. Naturally, we will not detail an ongoing investigation."
