An IDF soldier was arrested last Wednesday on suspicion that, while in uniform and holding his military-issued rifle, he protested with force against the eviction of the Adi Ad outpost.
Ynet was informed that the soldier, who lives in the outpost and serves in the military rabbinate, joined residents in throwing stones at border guard policemen who had come to evict them early last week. He was also suspected of having pushed one of the border guards.
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After the incident, security forces passed along the name of the soldier to the IDF, who decided to open a military police investigation on the matter. Pursuant to the investigation, he was arrested on charges of disturbing the public order, obstruction of evacuation, and assault on police forces.
The soldier said that did not push but was, instead, pushed by a border guard policeman. He also denied throwing stones. His lawyer, Aharon Rosa, said his client was expressing legitimate opposition since he is a resident of the outpost.
"His actions were legal and he complied with orders of commanders in the field," Rosa said.
The soldier, who is married with a baby, has had his remand extended until Monday, following a hearing at the military court.
According to the IDF spokesperson's office, "the soldier's commanders are involved in the matter and are behaving according to regulations. The issue is under investigation of the judge advocate general's branch in IDF Central Command."
In the meantime, the IDF is looking out for other soldiers who might oppose the eviction of outposts in the West Bank. "There's no doubt that the involvement of the military and security forces in eviction of settlements and the violence of settlers is a complicated and delicate matter," said military sources.
"We're trying to emphasize the importance of operations against violence. Soldiers need to know what is permitted and what is prohibited by law and not to cross the line," they said.
The Adi Ad secretariat praised the soldier for his protest against the eviction, saying, "We call on all soldiers who receive such an illegal order to behave in this manner and recommend to the IDF to first deal with illegal residences in the Arab sector."
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