Israel probes death of civilian who fired at attackers
The death of an Israeli civilian, apparently shot by an Israeli soldier during a Palestinian attack in Jerusalem this week, is under investigation, authorities say.
The scene of a terror attack at the entrance to Jerusalem during morning rush hour on Nov. 30, 2023. Neutralised terrorist lying on road Credit Yoav Dudkevitch/TPS
Police, intelligence services and military police are all investigating the incident which took place on Thursday, when the armed civilian, a lawyer, opened fire on two Palestinians who had themselves fired on people queuing for a bus.
According to media reports, the civilian had stopped his car on the other side of the street after the first shots by the attackers and had run across the road.
Two soldiers also opened fire on the Palestinians.
At least one of them apparently took the civilian for a third attacker.
Video clips circulating on social media showed how the lawyer held up his hands before being hit.
According to eyewitness reports, he had discarded his firearm and called out in Hebrew, saying: “Look at my ID card. I’m Jewish.”
He also opened his shirt to show that he was not wearing a belt with explosives.
One of the soldiers nevertheless opened fire, hitting the lawyer in the jaw, after which he was unable to speak.
Further shots followed.
He succumbed to his wounds in hospital the next day, one day before his 38th birthday.
The lawyer’s brother told the Ynet news site on Sunday: “He was simply executed”.
And his father called for the soldier to be prosecuted, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Strict laws on the use of firearms in Israel have been eased since the October 7 attacks from the Gaza Strip, with more civilians becoming armed.
