Israel suspends officer over journalists assault

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were accused of assaulting two Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporters and smashing their cameras.

“The IDF considers the incident grave, and in contravention of its code of ethics and professional standards”, the statement read, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

The agency has said the soldiers’ actions had caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage, and the Israeli army later confirmed that the soldiers had acted unlawfully.

The incident was filmed and posted online.

The soldiers allegedly smashed a video camera and a camera for photographs, and took away another camera and a mobile phone.

Lerner said the move was an immediate step against the officer or other soldiers and that investigations were continuing. The FPA released a statement saying, “While it is welcome that the IDF has said it is investigating the incident “at the highest levels” our concern is that had this not been caught on camera, nothing would be done”.

The military said a preliminary review of the incident indicated “forces operated in contradiction to procedures and in violation of standing orders” regarding how to deal with the press.

Both journalists were reportedly wearing body armor marked “Press”. Bernardi decided it was time to leave, he says, and he immediately called the AFP office to let the agency know what happened and the IDF to report the incident.

“At this point a soldier jumped on him and put a pistol on his face and attacked him”.

Israeli soldiers who were filmed confronting and beating a pair of French journalists on Friday will face “disciplinary measures”, according to a military spokesperson.

Friday’s clashes between Palestinians and troops at Beit Furik came after the funeral of Ahmed Khatatbeh, 26, who died of his wounds after being shot by soldiers near Nablus in the northern West Bank. The army said he and another man had thrown a petrol bomb at a vehicle on a road to the Jewish settlement of Itamar.