IDF confirms detaining settler who fired army-issued gun at Palestinian homes

An Israeli settler armed by the military opened fire on Palestinian homes in the West Bank refugee camp of al-Arroub, north of Hebron, overnight, before being detained by the IDF.

The settler is a reservist serving in one of the IDF’s so-called area defense forces, known by its Hebrew acronym Hagmar.

According to the IDF, troops launched searches in al-Arroub following reports of gunfire being carried out by an Israeli in civilian clothing.

The IDF says the “Israeli civilian,” later confirmed to be a reservist, had “carried out gunfire and behaved dangerously in the village area.” No injuries were reported.

The troops located the suspect, and he was “immediately detained,” the IDF says.

The army says it handed over the reservist to the Israel Police for questioning, and his weapon was confiscated.

“The investigation is ongoing by the relevant authorities,” the IDF says.

The military adds that “this is a grave incident that does not align with IDF orders and values.”

Dozens of soldiers from Hagmar units, which comprise local settlers serving in reserve duty, have been dismissed for violations, including attacks on Palestinians.