Israeli Soldier Whose Weapon Was Stolen in South Hebron Incident Questioned as Suspect

An Israeli soldier whose weapon was stolen during a violent confrontation with Palestinians in the South Hebron area was questioned under caution by police after arriving to give testimony as a victim. The incident occurred last Saturday near the Susya junction, where the soldier, who was on leave, was attacked by several Palestinians who assaulted him and took his personal weapon. During subsequent IDF searches, the soldier's weapon was recovered, and four Palestinians involved in the incident were arrested, including one who surrendered to the Civil Administration on Monday.

The soldier came to the police station on Wednesday to provide a statement but was unexpectedly interrogated as a suspect on suspicion of assault. Attorney Nati Rom, representing the soldier and affiliated with the Honenu organization, condemned the police action, calling it improper to investigate individuals who defended their lives. Rom emphasized that despite visual evidence supporting the soldier's account, the police opened a criminal case against him, accusing him of attacking the assailants.

Rom criticized the police practice of routinely questioning people who acted in self-defense, describing it as a deterrent that harms national security and must be stopped. The case highlights tensions in the South Hebron region and the complexities surrounding security incidents involving Israeli soldiers and Palestinians.