The IDF Investigation into the Shooting of Palestinian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh: the IDF spokesperson issued a statement earlier this week, admitting that “there is a high probability that Abu Akleh was killed by one of the IDF fighters due to a mistake in identification”. The final IDF investigation into the killing of the journalist in Jenin in May 2022, stated that the possibility that Abu Akleh was shot by Palestinian fire is not ruled out, but is less likely. Despite these findings, the Chief Military Prosecutor's Office who examined the findings of the investigation, decided not to open further military intelligence investigations into the case. Following the release of the statement, the US State Department announced the administration intends to pressure Israel to review its open fire rules, to avoid incidents such as the killing of the journalist. In response, PM Lapid said: “no one will dictate opening fire instructions to us when we are fighting for our lives. I will not allow them to prosecute an IDF fighter who defended his life from the fire of terrorists just to receive applause abroad."
Minister of Defense Gantz Announces New Chief of Staff Despite Criticism from the Opposition: Major General Herzi Halevi, was selected earlier this week as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the IDF. Defense Minister Benny Gantz informed Prime Minister Yair Lapid and current Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi of his decision, following two months of consultations and deliberations. Gantz reached the decision in the shadow of criticism leveled at him by the opposition, for making the sensitive appointment during an election period. The appointment requires the approval of the committee for appointments to senior positions in the civil service and of the government. "Major Halevi is the most suitable officer," said Gantz. "Both in terms of his rich operational experience, as well as in terms of his command abilities and his approach to various military issues”.
An Independent Journalist, Mother and Daughter Killed in Gun Violence in the Arab Community: Independent journalist Nidal Agbariyeh was shot dead in a car in city of Umm al-Fahem. Agbariyeh, 44 years old, was shot at close range near his house and was hit by a bullet in the head. Agbariyeh was a target of gun violence last year when a barrage of bullets was shot at his house. "There is an increase in threats against journalists in Arab society," he said in an interview to the Haaretz news outlet. at the time. The police, however, suspect that the motive for the murder is Agbariyeh's brothers debts to criminal elements in the city. Also, this week, Manar Abu Hajaj, 34, and her daughter, Hadra, 14, were shot to death in Lod, near Tel Aviv. Another daughter, Miriam, Hadra’s twin sister, was moderately injured. The father of the family, who was previously suspected of involvement in murders, has lived abroad for some years. PM Lapid and senior government officials condemned the murder of mother and daughter, and Arab members of Knesset criticized the government, and specifically the Ministry of Homeland Security for failing to address firearm violence in the Arab community.
Netanyahu’s Trial Resumes with Continued Cross Examination of a Key Witness: The hearings in the cases against Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust resumed earlier this week at the Jerusalem District Court, with the opening of the trial year. Netanyahu’s attorney continued to cross-examine the witness Hadas Klein, who was the personal assistant of businessmen Arnon Milchen and James Packer. Klein’s testimony focused on the provision of champagne, cigars, jewelry and other goods and services provided to Netanyahu and his family. Klein also testified that Netanyahu helped Milchen obtain his US visa. Netanyahu's defense attorney seeks to establish, in his cross examination, that the exchange of gifts was a a gesture “among friends”. The cross-examination of Klein is expected to continue until the end of next week. Additional witnesses will take the stand next week, including several employees of Milchen and Packer, as well as suppliers who provided the champagne and cigars given to Netanyahu. Hadas Klein has been subjected to hate messages and threats since she started giving her testimony.
Violence Escalates in the West Bank: A civilian and six soldiers were injured in a shooting and arson attack, when shots were fired at a bus near the Hamra settlement in the northern Jordan Valley. Three of the wounded are still hospitalized at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, including the bus driver, whose condition is now classified as moderate. According to the army, the terrorists blocked the bus using a van displaying an Israeli license plate, then opened fire on the bus . A Senior military officer commented on the increase in the number of security incidents in the West Bank in the past year. The officer referred to the fact that since the beginning of the year over 80 Palestinians have been killed by the security forces throughout the West Bank. He admitted that "this year has been very violent" and that "the number of deaths affects the area". Senior security officials expressed their concern of a third intifada given the escalation of violent incidents in the West Bank and the limited presence and power of the Palestinian Authority security elements in Nablus and Jenin.
For Further Reading:
Shireen Abu Akleh: Here, here, here, here
Chief of Staff: Here, here, here, here
Firearm violence: Here, here, here, here