Israeli Soldier Suspected in West Bank Shooting Released Under Restrictions

An Israeli soldier on leave, suspected of involvement in a shooting incident near the West Bank village of al-Mughayir that injured a Palestinian, has been released under restrictive conditions. The soldier was initially detained after refusing to answer police questions, but following cooperation and a detailed account of the event, the Judea and Samaria District Police Commander, Commissioner Moshe Pinchi, decided to release him with conditions.

The incident occurred on Friday, when a Palestinian was reportedly shot in the area. The investigation was transferred to the Israeli police, and the soldier was arrested over the weekend along with the seizure of his personal weapon. Palestinian official WAFA news agency claimed the victim was a 10-year-old boy shot in the back by settlers near a nearby sheep farm.

In contrast, the legal organization Honenu, representing the soldier, described a different scenario. They stated that the event began about half an hour before the Sabbath, when a shepherd from a nearby farm was attacked by dozens of assailants from al-Mughayir who fired fireworks directly at him and threw stones. Security forces were called, and the soldier arrived to assist the shepherd but did not fire any shots. According to Honenu, the Israeli forces dispersed the attackers using stun grenades and tear gas, and only later did reports emerge of a Palestinian child being injured by gunfire.

Honenu also claimed that accusations against the soldier were initially spread through a local media channel linked to incitement and terror propaganda, which had previously published unfounded allegations. Police officials emphasized that while the public is allowed to defend themselves under government policy, any suspected unlawful shooting is thoroughly investigated to prevent harm to innocent people.