The commander of the IDF Commando unit, Colonel Avi Balut, will be brought to a disciplinary hearing only in spite of the grave incident in which his vehicle was broken during a tour of commanders in Yehuda and Shomron and a file containing classified documents was stolen from him.

The IDF Prosecutor determined on Tuesday night that the commander was unaware of the classified documents in his briefcase, and therefore, he only took his weapon and cellphone from the vehicle.

Balut is represented by attorney Colonel Ron Cohen, who after the prosecution’s statement added, “I welcome the decision to close the investigation and only compel him to face disciplinary charges. I am convinced that his many contributions of Colonel Balut over the years towards the security of the nation will be taken into consideration in the disciplinary process, and he will continue contributing after the process.”

Some of the position held by Balut in the past include commander of the 101st Paratroop Battalion and commander of the elite Maglan unit as well as commander of the Hebron Brigade.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)