WATCH: IDF soldiers disrupt Palestinian news report

Israeli soldiers who disrupted a Palestinian journalist as she reported to camera have been criticized by the army for their behavior.

A video of the incident, which is currently making the rounds online, shows reporter Sara Al-Azra apparently finishing an item on what she calls “Israel’s racist policy of collective punishment,” while three IDF soldiers stand behind her making hand gestures, calling “Allahu Akbar,” and saying she’s a liar.

According to reports in the Hebrew media, the incident took place next to the West Bank village of Abud, close to Ramallah.

The report alleging collective punishment made by Abud came as Israel prepares to demolish the home of local resident Abdel Rahman Barghouti, who on December 4 stabbed an IDF soldier in the neck, lightly wounding him. Barghouti was shot dead at the scene.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in response that the video “depicts combat soldiers behaving in a way unbecoming of IDF soldiers. In light of this incident, the rules of conduct regarding media outlets have been reviewed. The IDF will continue to allow freedom of the press in the West Bank.”

This incident is the not the first in recent months in which IDF soldiers have clashed with media crews in the West Bank. On September 25, a group of Israeli soldiers were filmed seizing and destroying equipment belonging to two AFP journalists. According to the French agency, video journalist Andrea Bernardi was held down on the ground by a soldier, one knee on his chest, until he managed to show his press card. Bernardi suffered bruised ribs and a facial injury.

The commanding officer of the soldiers was removed from his post and, as he was due to complete his army service soon after, the military police decided to close the case without pressing charges.

AFP and Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.