IDF checkpoint in West Bank
Photo: Gil Yohanan
An IDF reservist force has shot and killed a 17 year-old Palestinian Monday at a checkpoint north of Jericho after he drew a pistol at the soldiers. A preliminary investigation of the incident revealed that the gun was a toy gun made out of metal.
An IDF investigation revealed that the youth arrived at the checkpoint in a vehicle, walked towards the checkpoint and spoke to the local commander, telling him he wants to travel to the village of Udga. He then turned around and drew the pistol at the soldiers. One of the soldiers shot at him and killed him on the spot. The IDF is reporting that the toy pistol is identical in its shape to a real pistol.
Earlier Monday an IDF special forces unit operated in Bethlehem. The soldiers surrounded a building where an Islamic Jihad terrorist was hiding. During the operation, several confrontations took place with locals which included hurling of Molotov cocktails and rocks at the forces.
IDF forces shot at the Palestinians who hurled the Molotov cocktails and hit three of them. After a few hours the terrorist turned himself in along with a rifle he had with him.
Ali Waked contributed to this report