The head of the Beit Aryeh local council, Avi Naim, on Thursday night expressed support for the IDF soldier who was filmed while opening fire on a neutralized terrorist.
"Today's incident in Hevron mainly shows a lack of professionalism and wrong training of fighters on the command level," said Naim, who added, "A terrorist who acts to kill and who is holding weapons in his hand must be killed by the fighters. You never know if he is carrying an explosive belt or additional weapons which may be used against IDF fighters and bystanders.”
“The IDF fighters' response must be to 'shoot to kill', including ensuring complete neutralization of the terrorist - this is a basic doctrine in the fight against terrorism,” continued Naim. “Today's incident shows confusion on the part of the soldiers, stress which they are under and unclear instructions.”
“It is the job of the IDF to examine each case and draw conclusions. Even if it is found that the shooting was not justified, the soldier should not be judged but rather the rules of engagement and the fight against terrorism clarified,” he concluded.