Shots fired in downtown Tel Aviv
Photo: Reuters
Guards fire shots in central Tel Aviv
Confrontation between IDF officer, guards at Defense Ministry headquarters turns ugly
TEL AVIV – A confrontation between an IDF reserve officer and security guards at the Defense Ministry headquarters in central Tel Aviv turned ugly, with guards firing warning shots in the air.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the shooting.
The incident happened around 9 a.m. Sunday when the officer arrived at the facility in civilian clothing and attempted to enter the site through a gate intended for vehicles only.
The man claimed he is an officer in the IDF rabbinate and said he was invited for an interview.
Investigation launched
Soldiers tasked with guarding the facility tried to explain the gate was not meant for pedestrians and instructed the officer to go to a nearby gate, so guards can verify that he has the proper permit.
However, the conversation quickly turned ugly and the officer refused to leave the spot and at one point attempted to force his way in.
At that point, the soldiers followed the procedures for arresting a suspect, firing two warning shots in the air. Meanwhile, two other officers in the area overcame the man.
The IDF and police have launched an investigation into the matter, and will be looking into whether the decision to open fire in downtown Tel Aviv was proper.
