An IDF Golani soldier was removed from his unit for failing to open fire on an Arab who hurled a Molotov cocktail at him in the northern Shomron on Motzei Shabbos, the IDF stated on Monday.
The soldier was stationed at an IDF post outside the settlement of Kedumim when an Arab drove to the post, emerged from his vehicle and walked toward a nearby bus stop while staring at the guard post.
In light of the Arab’s suspicious behavior, the soldier approached the suspect and ordered him to halt. The suspect then threw the Molotov at the soldier, fortunately missing him. The suspect then fled the scene while the soldier stood by.
The IDF stated that since the incident ended without the soldier opening fire in response to the attack, the soldier has been dismissed from his position. The IDF asserted that “despite the complexity of the situation,” the soldier should have returned fire.
The IDF added that the soldier may be able to return to this position in a few months.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
8 Responses
bridged if you do bridged if you dont
The headline “booted” is cruel, yes the boy is probably not suited for combat
However he has been through months of gruelling training for the sake of Kalal yisroel
He committed to 3 years of service
Let’s try not be derogatory towards a young MAN who might have lost his nerve under attack
Had he shot the Arab he would be in jail for life. Lucky to get kicked out of such a stupid army.
Naa not cool, the guy didn’t to anything wrong! I’m gonna go protest outside embassy 😂
Aren’t they funny? If he had fired, dollars to donuts he’d be arrested. In case you don’t know the rules of engagement for Israeli troops, when someone has a molotov cocktail, they can only be fired upon from the moment it has been lit on fire until it’s thrown. Before it’s lit, it isn’t dangerous, and after it’s thrown the person can’t do anything to you anymore. You have a split second window. So ya, he was probably nervous to shot and end up in jail…
Not 100% clear that he’s a coward. It looks like he dodged to the side not to get hit. If he had then shot, it would be revenge or punishment, not self defence, so he would end up in jail. If he had thought fast enough, he could have shot the car wheels to stop him so he shouldn’t do any more. But then the attacker becomes a “hero” at Israel’s expense while he is fed in prison. Sorry, soldier, whatever you do, someone is going to condemn you. A bullet BEFORE the attack might have been a worthwhile investment.
It seems he had objections to shooting an unarmed person. That seems quite reasonable. Killing an unarmed combatant is a war crime.
The suspect then threw the Molotov at the soldier, fortunately missing him.
he was unarmed because he threw a Molotov at him!
so if someone tries to kill you but misses, you shouldn’t shoot them?!
הבא להרגך השכם והרגו