Gantz: Joseph's Tomb shooting intentional
IDF chief Gantz avoids labeling incident which left Ben Yosef Livnat dead 'terrorist attack' after receiving army inquiry report, but claims shooting was done intentionally 'with intent to hurt worshippers'
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz stated Sunday that the shooting by Palestinian officers during the Joseph's Tomb incident last April was unjustified as their lives were not at risk, but was carried out with intent to hurt Israelis.
Gantz made the statements after receiving the findings of a Central Command inquiry into the incident which left Ben Yosef Livnat dead. The inquiry did not indicate a plan to target worshippers but did suggest that the shooting was carried out intentionally with intent to hurt the worshippers.
Gantz avoided labeling the event a terrorist attack. Last week, the Defense Ministry announced that it has recognized Ben-Yosef Livnat as a terror victim and that his family is entitled to compensation from the National Insurance Institute.
"The IDF should do all it can to prevent uncoordinated entries into Joseph's Tomb," Gantz said. He noted that the entry of Israelis into the site is a very grave matter.
The IDF chief also addressed the Itamar massacre, which he described as an inhumane and loathsome terror attack. Gantz claimed there was a failure in the translation of the status evaluation into tactical action, particularly in activating all the community's protection means.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that the chief of staff decided that the army must immediately work to draw lessons from the event including improving the security layout in communities under IDF protection.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
