IDF punishes troops who vandalized vehicles during unauthorized raid in Palestinian village

Several IDF soldiers have received punishments after entering a Palestinian village in the central West Bank without authorization and vandalizing vehicles, the military says.

According to the IDF, a force from the Paratroopers Brigade entered the village of Deir Dibwan on Saturday in violation of procedures. During the incident, soldiers damaged Palestinian vehicles “in a manner that deviated from regulations, orders, and what is expected of IDF soldiers and service members.”

The incident was investigated after coming to the attention of commanders, with the probe uncovering additional “irregularities.” All soldiers involved have been tried and punished, the military says. Squad commanders were sentenced to military detention, along with another soldier who initiated the vandalism.

The IDF says all commanders involved in the incident will not return to command or combat roles.

The initial findings were presented to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who determined that the incident was serious and ordered an expanded investigation at the company and battalion levels. Further findings are expected to be presented in the coming days.

The military stresses that its forces continue to operate in the area to ensure security while maintaining law and order, claiming that any deviation from regulations is examined and addressed.