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IDF soldier punctures tires, smashes door of Palestinian cars during West Bank operations

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • An IDF soldier was filmed vandalizing Palestinian vehicles in Bethlehem over the weekend, puncturing tires and smashing windows.
  • At least three other soldiers witnessed the acts but did not intervene, according to Army Radio.
  • The incident follows a trend of nationalist crimes in the West Bank, including a mosque fire and torched vehicles in other villages.

An Israeli soldier was documented vandalizing Palestinian cars during operations in Bethlehem over the weekend, with footage published by Army Radio showing the soldier puncturing tires, kicking doors and mirrors, and smashing windshields and windows.

At least three other soldiers reportedly witnessed the destructive acts but did not attempt to stop the individual, according to Army Radio. The military confirmed the incident occurred between Saturday and Sunday, stating it "viewed the acts with severity." The Etzion Regional Brigade has opened an investigation into the matter.

The incident occurs amid a backdrop of escalating nationalist crimes in the West Bank. In a separate event, a mosque in the village of Kusra was set on fire, with graffiti reading "Revenge for Benayahu" spray-painted on the entrance. This followed a deadly attack the previous day that killed Benayahu Mellet and Maj. Yuval Ezra. Additionally, five vehicles were set ablaze in Beitillu, and tractors and trucks were torched near Khirbat Abu Falah, where two Palestinians were injured and hospitalized.

viewed the acts with severity.

— IDF SpokespersonThe military's official reaction to the documented vandalism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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