IDF officials have arrested a mandatory service soldier serving in the Hebron district on suspicion of planning to attack Arabs in that city. The soldier was imprisoned and will no longer be permitted to serve anywhere in Yehuda or Shomron.

The story began a month ago as commanders received reports regarding the soldier, who they say was described “as worrisome and intimidating” and being in contact with “right-wing extremists”.

The soldier is a driver and is often in the midst of Arab areas of the city. The military reports its intelligence information states the soldier planned to avenge some of the terror attacks that were perpetrated in recent months in Jerusalem. The case was handed over to Yehuda Brigade Commander Colonel Yariv Ben-Ezra, who decided to immediately place the soldier under arrest. Officials learned the soldier was on leave and the deputy brigade commander phoned him and was told that the soldier is in the north, attending a memorial service for a grandparent.

Officials shortly thereafter learned that this was not so. The soldier was in Jerusalem attending a memorial for Rabbi Meir Kahane. Military police were dispatched to the location and he was placed under arrest. In addition, the soldier told the deputy brigade commander that his weapon was left on base but in fact, he had his weapon with him when taken into custody. He was charged with two violations, lying to an officer and removing his weapon from base without authorization. He was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment.

He was recently released and it was decided not to send him back to any post in Yehuda and Shomron.

This would indicate the military lacks any real evidence of a conspiracy to commit attacks for it is not likely he would be permitted to return to any service if this were the case.

When asked to comment, the IDF Spokesman’s Office stated “The case is known and being addressed by the relevant officials”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)