IDF Soldier Filmed Beating Palestinians in Settler Raid on West Bank Town; Eight Wounded, Medics Say - West Bank News
Israeli settlers raided four Palestinian towns near Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, with medics reporting at least eight Palestinians wounded in Huwara, where settlers and an Israeli soldier were filmed beating two Palestinians with clubs.
The settler and the soldier can then be seen leaving the scene. One of the Palestinians remains in severe condition and was evacuated for medical treatment.
The military said they have not yet identified the soldier who attacked the Palestinians, saying, "Once the soldier is identified, he will be subject to disciplinary proceedings, and appropriate command and disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the findings."
The IDF added that it is "aware" of "footage showing an IDF soldier using violence against a Palestinian," describing his actions as "serious and inconsistent with the values of the IDF." The Israel Police also stated that they have opened an investigation into the incident.
A preliminary IDF investigation found that settlers stormed the area and carried out widespread attacks on homes and vehicles, including stone-throwing and livestock theft.
Kamal al-Jaber, head of the Huwara local council, told Haaretz that between 100 and 150 settlers took part in the raid. "Wherever there were sheep pens or enclosures, they stormed them and the animals. These are known groups that operate like gangs," he said.
According to him, soldiers prevented residents from approaching the settlers as they raided homes in the village. "At present, we have five wounded hospitalized in the hospital. Three of them were hit by gunfire. One was struck in the eye by a rifle butt, causing a serious internal eye injury. Another was hit in the back of his body. A man in his 60s was severely beaten on his back."
Al-Jaber added that around 20 others were wounded in the attacks but did not require medical treatment.
A paramedic with the Red Crescent told Haaretz that, aside from the Palestinian who was severely wounded in the head, the other wounded are in mild condition. The Red Crescent said most of the Palestinians were wounded by tear gas inhalation and rubber bullets, which were used during an IDF intervention.
In additional footage from Saturday morning, masked settlers are seen roaming between residential homes in Huwara and three villages near the Yitzhar settlement, smashing car windows, stealing sheep, and throwing stones.
Residents said the raids began around 11 A.M. and continued for about two hours without intervention by security forces. The IDF said troops were later dispatched to the area "following a report of the suspected theft of livestock belonging to Israeli civilians," in order to "remove the Israeli civilians and the livestock from the area and to prevent confrontation."
According to the IDF, "a number of rioters arrived in the area, and violent confrontations broke out between Israeli civilians and Palestinians, involving the hurling of rocks and the use of batons. The IDF is aware of the claim that several Palestinians were injured."
"The soldiers operated to disperse the gatherings using riot dispersal means," the army added. "The disturbances were dispersed, and security forces remain in the area to prevent further public disorder."
A Huwara resident told Haaretz that settlers stole about 100 sheep from several families. "We called the Palestinian liason office, but the army arrived only after the settlers had left with the stolen flocks," he said.
He added: "Wherever there are settlers, there is the IDF, so why doesn't the army protect us? They can see where the settlers come from. They protect the security of whoever they want. They do nothing against settler terrorism."
Documentation from Hawara, Satuday.
Additional raids were reported in nearby villages, including Einabus, where settlers were documented throwing stones and breaking into homes, and Asira al-Qibliya, where armed settlers moved through residential areas. A separate incursion was reported in a quarry between Asira al-Qibliya and Urif.
The security coordinator of the Yitzhar settlement was dismissed on Tuesday after armed settlers prevented Palestinian farmers from working their land, despite the plowing having been coordinated with the Civil Administration. Since then, violent incidents in the area have increased.
The IDF said the security coordinator was dismissed "due to repeated incidents of overstepping authority and repeated warnings on the matter."