The IDF opened an investigation into the conduct of reservist soldiers who are suspected of wounding a mentally ill Palestinian suspect as they were trying to arrest him, Army Radio said on Saturday.
The suspect, who suffered injuries to numerous parts of his body, including his face, had approached Israeli civilians, shouted slogans about martyrdom, and expressed intent to incite violence, according to the IDF. The military noted that some of the suspect's wounds were caused when he fell on some rocks during his arrest.
The reservist soldiers called for the suspect to move back and fired gunshots into the air, but the suspect continued to advance toward them, according to their testimony.
IDF admits suspect's injuries were 'disturbing'
His wounds were documented and published throughout Palestinian media outlets. The IDF noted that his injuries are "disturbing and will be examined thoroughly," but also acknowledged that the reservists "physically struggled with the suspect, until they managed to stop him."
He was detained and transferred for questioning by the Shin Bet but was later released.
The suspect is from a village near Ramallah in the West Bank.