IDF soldier in West Bank (Archive photo)
Photo: Gadi Kabalo
Violent officer rewarded?
IDF officer photographed assaulting Palestinian takes up post of division deputy commander
Should a senior officer suspected of aggravated assault continue his military career unabated? The answer is “yes,” according to the IDF at least.
The Lieutenant Colonel, whose name cannot be disclosed, was photographed in the summer as he was head-butting a Palestinian in the stomach while wearing a helmet. The officer, who was recently designated as the deputy commander of an IDF division in the West Bank, has taken up his new post even though the investigation against him has not yet been completed.
The incident in question occurred in July of this year, in a village near the West Bank town of Qalqiliya. The officer, who was armed and wearing a helmet, was recorded as he was head-butting the Palestinian. The difficult images were examined by IDF investigators and officials eventually decided to launch a criminal investigation.
Notably, in several cases in the past IDF troops were investigated for employing violence against Palestinians. Most of the soldiers were indicted and jailed.
‘Photos speak for themselves’
According to the IDF definition, the officer’s new appointment does not constitute a promotion, as there is no change in his rank. Army sources told Ynet there is no need for a Prosecutor’s Office approval for the appointment, because it is not defined as promotion. The decision was made by the soldier’s commanders.
“The unease over such appointment can be understood,” one source said. “At the same time, IDF orders allow such appointment under the circumstances.”
Meanwhile, a senior IDF Prosecutor’s Office source told Ynet the photos speak for themselves.
The IDF’s Spokesperson’s Office said “a decision has not yet been taken in regards to the case…once the investigation is completed, a decision will be made.”
