The military police opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and examined whether the serious incident occurred due to a human error or a technical malfunction
An IDF soldier was seriously injured Friday when a grenade exploded near him during training at the Artillery Corps' training base at Shivta, in the southern Negev.
According to preliminary details, the injured soldier, 19, who is undergoing basic training at the training base, practiced throwing a grenade with the commander of his platoon. During the practice, a grenade exploded near the soldier, who suffered serious shrapnel wounds to his upper body.
The IDF reported that the platoon commander was not hurt. The injured soldier was rushed to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva for medical treatment.
The IDF is currently investigating whether it is a human error or a technical fault.
The military police opened an investigation into the incident. Commander of GOC Army Headquarters Major General Kobi Barak instructed the establishment of a team of experts headed by Col. Shuki Ribak to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
It was also decided to stop using grenades during training until the end of the initial investigation.
About two weeks ago around a dozen soldiers were lightly injured from smoke inhalation after a smoke grenade ignited during training at the Shizafon Army Base in the south. The soldiers were evacuated to Soroka Medical Center for medical treatment.
The IDF spokesman said at the time that the grenade had exploded during a rousting for a military exercise.