International observer suspected of slashing Hebron settler’s tires

A member of the TIPH West Bank observer group is suspected of slashing the tires of an Israeli settler in Hebron, then fleeing the country when police sought to question him.

The monitor group was also in hot water recently after video showed a member slapping a child from the city’s community of Jewish settlers.

Hadashot TV news reported Monday that the latest incident began with a local resident filing a complaint with police after the tires of his car were slashed. An investigation was launched and police obtained security camera footage in which a uniformed member of TIPH (Temporary International Presence in Hebron) was seen passing by the car several times and crouching by its tires.

Police contacted TIPH, which said it would conduct an internal probe. When after several days police again contacted TIPH to say they wished to question the man, they were told he had left the country after the first call, the report said.

TIPH is an international civilian observer group tasked with “monitoring and reporting efforts to maintain normal life in the city of Hebron, thus creating a sense of security among the Palestinians in Hebron.” It also reports alleged human rights abuses and violations of accords in the city between Israel and Palestinians. Observers for the group come from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and Turkey.

Earlier this month another TIPH member, a Swiss man, was expelled from the country after video emerged of him slapping a young Jewish boy across the face, sending his skullcap flying.

Following the airing of the footage, Switzerland’s ambassador to Israel apologized to leaders of the settlement community in Hebron.