News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) An off-duty Golani Brigade soldier and his friend were removed from the Arab-occupied city of Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) by PLO officers after the two brought their car to be fixed at a local garage.

The two armed Jews were unharmed, but army officials criticized their entrance to the town as stupid, saying they could have been kidnapped.  The soldier was questioned by Military Police, and is expected to receive a severe judgment.  His friend, a 16 year-old, will likely be indicted for entering PLO-controlled areas.

Several days ago, an off-duty Nahal Brigade soldier entered Beit Lechem with two people who wanted to see Christmas trees.  He was sentenced by a military court to 28 days in prison.