VIDEO - The IDF has launched an investigation after a video acquired by Ynet showed a soldier firing a rubber bullet at a protestor for no apparent reason. The findings will be handed over to the Military Advocate General's office, which will decide on the next moves.
Video: Lee Lorian
In a video shot by B’Tselem (The Israel Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories), a young Israeli is seen standing near a group of soldiers, when he is suddenly shot at close range. B’Tselem members claim they approached the Military Advocate General's office with the footage, and the latter responded by saying it would investigate the case.
The youth was shot in his thigh by an officer while attending a rally in mid March. According to the victim, the rubber bullet penetrated his thigh, and he is suffering from a severe wound in his leg.
The complainant, 18, recalled the incident in which security forces entered the premises of Bil'in village, located near Modi'in: “I yelled ‘enough with the violence’ at them, and then a soldier turned around and fired a rubber bullet into my leg. I was evacuated to Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, where I was examined and operated on to extract the bullet. I was given pain killers and released home.”
He said that despite his injury, he continues to attend the weekly rally in Bil'in. “I’m not afraid,” he said, “The village’s residents suffer more bullet hits than I have. Compared to what they are going through – my case is nothing.”
After the incident, the youth approached B’Tselem and filed a claim with the human rights organization.
“I've been limping and have not been able to work for almost a month-and-a-half after the shooting. But I’ll continue showing up in Bil'in – I don’t go there for the fun of it, I’m there to protest against the security fence and the occupation.”
The IDF said Military Police has launched an investigation into the incident.
Roni Gal contributed to the report
First published: 09:37, 05.13.8