Gantz: ‘A crude and blatant lie’ to say Israeli forces intentionally shot journalist

Defense Minister Benny Gantz responds to the Palestinian Authority’s investigation into the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, strongly rejecting the claim that Israeli troops intentionally shot her amid clashes with Palestinian gunmen in Jenin.

In a statement, Gantz says Israel regrets Abu Akleh’s death and notes the military is conducting its own probe into the matter.

“Any claim that the IDF intentionally targets journalists or those uninvolved [in terror] is a crude and blatant lie,” Gantz says.

He notes Israeli forces have long conducted counter-terror operations in Jenin and says the military refrains “as much as possible” from striking uninvolved parties.

Gantz also reiterates his call for the PA to share the bullet.

“Despite the many requests, the Palestinians refuse to cooperate, which raises the question if they really want to reach the truth,” he says.