Jerusalem Man Charged for Assaulting CNN Crew in West Bank and Vandalizing Vehicles

A man in his twenties from Jerusalem has been charged with assaulting a CNN news crew in the West Bank about two weeks ago. The incident occurred near the village of Sinjil in the Binyamin region, where the suspect damaged the crew's vehicles, threatened the journalists, and wielded a receiver and a stone. During the investigation led by the interagency police headquarters in the Judea and Samaria district, it was found that the suspect blocked the passage of CNN and Italian news crews with his vehicle, preventing them from continuing their journey.

The suspect was also found to have sticks in his car, which he used to threaten the journalists, made throwing motions while holding a stone, and shouted at them to stop. He later received a knife from another person and attempted to puncture a vehicle tire. Additionally, he jumped on the hood of another car and struck its windshield with a stick, causing damage. Following the incident on July 11, police from the Binyamin station and IDF forces arrested four suspects, including the main accused. His detention was extended by court order, while the other three were released under restrictive conditions.

The indictment accuses the man of intentional vehicle damage, illegal possession of brass knuckles or a knife, and threats. Investigations into the other suspects continue. Separately, the IDF spokesperson announced disciplinary action against a soldier who choked a CNN cameraman during coverage of an outpost about four months ago. The military prosecutor ordered a disciplinary trial for the soldier, who expressed remorse. The Military Police began investigating the March incident near the village of Tayseer, concluding that physical force was used by one soldier against the media crew.

Following this, the IDF suspended Reserve Battalion 941 "Netzah Israel," veterans of Netzah Yehuda, from activities. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir requested a prompt briefing on the investigation's main findings and command recommendations. The IDF also decided to dismiss the soldier who spoke about "revenge."