A number of Beit El residents are being investigated by Israel Police and IDF Military Police following what began as a Friday nature hike.

Involved in the case are four residents of the Shomron community, IDF soldiers, and a minor. According to reports, the five came under fire, prompting them to return fire in self-defense. Their gunfire resulted in the death of one of their attackers. Fortunately, they emerged unharmed in the attack.

Police report that two Arabs were found to be carrying a shotgun and a homemade handgun. One was killed and the second fled the scene but was tracked down and is currently in custody.

Police have confirmed that one of their weapons was fired, in line with the story provided by the Beit El hikers. The suspect however insists they fired in self-defense after the Jews fired at him and his colleague, stating the Beit El residents “hunted them”. He told police that they were carrying weapons because they were going hunting.

The hikers were in an area designated as “B” under the Oslo Agreement, which means the municipal responsibility is the Palestinian Authority’s while security remains in Israel’s hands. The Beit El hikers report that the hike was coordinated with the IDF in advance but following the incident, the IDF denies this as true.

It should be noted that hikes are commonplace and there have been cases that after such an incident occurs, the unwritten understanding that hikes in certain areas are permitted and even commonplace is retroactively withdrawn. As a result, the four soldiers may also face charges by military police for their actions in addition to possible criminal charges in the death of the PA resident. The investigation continues.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)