ISRAEL: The Israeli army charged two soldiers yesterday over the alleged shooting with a rubber bullet at point-blank range of a bound and blindfolded Palestinian, a military spokesman said.
Lieut Col Omri Borberg, a regimental commander suspended last month pending a military investigation, was transferred from his position a day earlier over allegations he ordered the soldier, identified only as Staff Sgt L, to fire the bullet.
"The Military Advocate General determined that the said incident reflects a severe moral failure of command, and requires that both the officer and soldier involved will be tried in a military court," the spokesman said.
The incident took place five weeks ago in the West Bank village of Nilin. The shooting was captured on video and released by Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. Col Borberg said he told the soldier only to shake his rifle to frighten the Palestinian, according to initial army findings.
- (Reuters)