Don’t shoot someone surrendering, army head says after Jerusalem friendly fire killing

Soldiers should not shoot at someone putting their hands up, IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi says, days after a friendly fire incident during which civilian Yuval Castleman was killed by reserves troops who mistook him for a terrorist.

Halevi says the military shows its appreciation for Castleman’s “brave” action in taking down the Hamas gunmen. “This is heroism,” he says.

“At the same time, we emphasize the need to stick to the basic and required rules in complex situations like these, shooting in a civilian environment,” he says. “Do not shoot when the threat is lowered, and we do not shoot at those who put their hands up.”

He notes that the incident, during a Jerusalem terror attack, is still under investigation.

Video from the scene appeared to show Castleman attempting to put his hands up before being shot and killed.