The shooting death of Shin Bet operative Amir Maymoni Tuesday during operational activity near the Gaza Strip border was first thought to be the result of terrorist fire, however, Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen confirmed Wednesday evening that the he was killed by friendly fire.
The circumstances of Maymoni's death are being investigated, with authorities currently presuming the cause of death to be either an accidental discharge or friendly fire.
Shin Bet special forces operate near the border fence in order to monitor and discover activity by Hamas forces who may be in the midst of digging attack tunnels that cross over into Israeli territory.
Residents of Gaza border towns have been complaining of hearing digging noises apparently coming from the underground in recent weeks, and the IDF has been taking steps to locate and destroy Hamas tunnels in the area.
First published: 14:13, 03.09.16