The soldier, First Sergeant Tziki Eyal, 23, was from Mazkeret Batya. An IDF investigation revealed on Tuesday that Eyal was wounded in the head by a stray bullet shot from a fellow soldier who attempted to hit the runaway driver. It is unclear whether Eyal died of the gunshut wound or the hit and run attack.
The Arab driver, Iyad Dwek, 30, was shot and killed by soldiers as he attempted to flee the roadblock. IDF sources said that the incident is still under investigation, and so far it is unclear whether the driver had intended to murder the soldier, or accidentally stepped on the gas pedal as he was stopped for inspection.
No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Dwek has not been tied to any terror organization and no weapons were found in his car. Investigators are trying to determine whether the driver was unable to see the soldier in the dark, or had some, as yet unidentified reason for trying to avoid being checked.
The roadblock was set up by an armored corps unit Monday night on the Halhoul bridge that passes over the Trans-Judea highway, in response to gunshots that were heard by soldiers who were stationed nearby. The incident occured at approximately 10:00pm when Eyal, a reserve soldier, was fatally hit.
Soldiers who witnessed the incident said that at first, the taxi driver slowed down as he approached the roadblock, but suddenly accelerated, driving directly into Eyal, running him over.
Magen David Adom ambulance teams arriving at the scene were unable to revive Eyal who died of his wounds shortly after being hit by the vehicle.
The Arab driver, Iyad Dwek, 30, was shot and killed by soldiers as he attempted to flee the roadblock. IDF sources said that the incident is still under investigation, and so far it is unclear whether the driver had intended to murder the soldier, or accidentally stepped on the gas pedal as he was stopped for inspection.
No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Dwek has not been tied to any terror organization and no weapons were found in his car. Investigators are trying to determine whether the driver was unable to see the soldier in the dark, or had some, as yet unidentified reason for trying to avoid being checked.
The roadblock was set up by an armored corps unit Monday night on the Halhoul bridge that passes over the Trans-Judea highway, in response to gunshots that were heard by soldiers who were stationed nearby. The incident occured at approximately 10:00pm when Eyal, a reserve soldier, was fatally hit.
Soldiers who witnessed the incident said that at first, the taxi driver slowed down as he approached the roadblock, but suddenly accelerated, driving directly into Eyal, running him over.
Magen David Adom ambulance teams arriving at the scene were unable to revive Eyal who died of his wounds shortly after being hit by the vehicle.