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

An Israeli soldier whose weapon was stolen during a violent incident in South Hebron last Saturday was questioned under caution by police after arriving to give testimony as a victim. The soldier, who was on leave and attacked while hiking near Susya Junction, was initially a complainant but became a suspect on suspicion of assault. According to reports, several Palestinians assaulted the soldier and took his personal weapon. During subsequent IDF searches, the weapon was recovered and four Palestinians involved in the incident were arrested, with one surrendering to the Civil Administration on Monday.

Attorney Nati Rom, representing the soldier and affiliated with the Honenu organization, condemned the police action, calling it unacceptable to investigate individuals who defended their lives. Rom stated the soldier fought bravely, was injured, hospitalized, and released, and criticized the police for opening a criminal case accusing the soldier of "assaulting terrorists," despite video evidence supporting his account. Rom described the practice of automatically interrogating those who defend themselves as a deterrent harming national security and called for it to end.

The incident and investigation have sparked controversy, highlighting tensions in the South Hebron area and the complex legal and security challenges faced by Israeli soldiers and civilians in the region. The case remains under police investigation.