IDF soldiers (archives)
Photo: Reuters
Soldier shoots Palestinian who tried to snatch weapon
Man shot in stomach, transferred to Ramallah hospital in moderate condition after reportedly trying to snatch soldier's weapon near village of Hizma. Police, IDF remain on high alert during Passover
An IDF soldier shot and injured a Palestinian in the stomach near the village of Hizma, after the Palestinian reportedly tried to snatch the soldier's weapon from him.
The soldier was unharmed, and the injured Palestinian was transferred to hospital in Ramallah. The incident occurred during IDF activity in the village north of Jerusalem.
Palestinian sources confirmed that the man arrived at a Ramallah hospital in moderate condition, but said the circumstances of the incident were still being investigated.
The IDF and police are operating in the Seam Line area during the Passover holiday and have imposed a full closure, that was declared by Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
The closure will be lifted after Passover, and during, Palestinians will only be allowed to pass through with the approval of the Civil Administration and only in humanitarian and medical cases.
Before Passover the defense establishment received nine specific alerts of terror organizations' plans to carry out attacks, and dozens of general alerts of shooting attacks, kidnappings, suicide attacks and rocket and mortar shell attacks.
The Magen David Adom emergency service is also on high alert ahead of the holiday, and MDA stations across Israel will be reinforced with ambulances and manpower.
Police will remain alert during the week, with special emphasis on securing parks, events and festivals planned over the holiday.
Police and emergency services will remain on high alert after Passover as well, during Memorial Day, Independence Day and Pope Benedict's visit next month.
Before the holiday, Police Commander Yoram Ohayon told Ynet, "We are always on the lookout. I urge the citizens – go out, have fun, enjoy – there is no problem with going out, we are committed to being everywhere."
Ali Waked contributed to this report
