Rabbi's shooting prompts change in IDF fire protocol
IDF Central Command's inquest into accidental shooting of Rabbi Dan Martzbach leads to new suspect-engaging protocols
The deadly mid-November incident in which IDF soldiers stationed at a security checkpoint near Hebron accidently shot and killed Rabbi Dan Martzbach, has resulted in changes in the IDF's suspect-engaging procedures, Ynet learned on Wednesday.
Rabbi Dan Martzbach's car sustained fire when he approached the checkpoint and failed to comply with the soldiers' motions to stop. He was later recognized by the Defense Ministry as a terror victim.
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The IDF Central Command's inquest into the incident found that the troops stationed at the checkpoint received an alert suggesting a suspicious vehicle was heading their way.
When Martzbach failed to stop for inspection – because he and the two passengers with him mistook the soldier for a hitchhiker – the soldier proceeded to engage suspect arrest protocol.
Scene of the shooting (Photo: Noam Moskowitz)
Footage taken by the checkpoint's camera showed that the solider who opened fire on the vehicle stood at the middle of the road, instead of on the side of the road, which was a violation of protocol.
The footage also showed Martzbach's car speeding by, which led to the ensuing gunfire.
As part of the conclusions drawn following the tragic incident, the IDF has instated a new protocol: It states that troops are to open fire on a vehicle only if it is clearly trying to target them. Firing warning shots at the vehicle's wheels or undercarriage is now forbidden as well.
In his testimony, the solider maintained that he felt he was in imminent danger. The soldier's version of the events was corroborated by his comrades. He was also injured by a passing truck during the incident.
The GOC Central Command has yet to decide whether to transfer the soldier to another post – and as he is only weeks away from finishing his regular military service, the decision will impact his service in the Reserves.
It was, however, decided to transfer the troops' commander from the field to administrative duty.
The Judge Advocate General has yet to decide on whether to take legal action against the solider, mostly due to the fact that his statement of imminent danger will be hard to refute.
The IDF said that the tragic event was an "isolated incident" and that overall, the troops' observance of security procedures in what is considered a hazardous sector, was satisfactory.
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