A Palestinian was killed on Monday by IDF fire near the settlement of Kfar Tapuach in the West Bank. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that IDF forces observed Palestinians hurling rocks at the road and proceeded to apprehend the suspects, during which one of the stone throwers was shot.
He received an emergency treatment by the IDF, but later succumbed to his wounds. IDF officials said that an official Military Police investigation has been launched. The roadway on which the incident occurred was blocked in both directions.
The initial investigation concluded that around 1:30 pm a Kfir Brigade force, which set an ambush for rock throwers on a road that leads east from Tapuach Junction to the settlement of Migadlim, indentified a number of Palestinians hurling stones at Israeli vehicles on the roadway.
The rocks were endangering the lives of the passengers and the soldiers decided to open fire towards one of the Palestinians hurling the projectiles.
The interim regional council chief, Yossi Degen, supported the conduct of the soldiers, saying that "throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails is a murder attempt for all intents and purposes. The State of Israel, as a civilized country, needs to declare a real war against terror. I expect the prime minister and the defense minister to not hesitate, but to back up the troops loud and clear."
Itay Blumenthal contributed to this report.