The Israeli army said on Saturday that an investigation has been opened into the death in custody of a Hezbollah terrorist captured by troops in Southern Lebanon.
Soldiers suspected of involvement in the incident, which occurred between Thursday and Friday, were summoned for questioning as part of the probe being conducted by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) unit of the Israel Defense Forces.
Investigators are reportedly trying to determine whether violence was used against the detainee, who was captured in a tunnel with ammunition and combat gear after firing on IDF Golani soldiers.
The investigation drew criticism from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who tweeted that “unfortunately, there are still elements in the IDF who do not yet recognize who is an enemy and who is a friend.”
לצערי יש גורמים בצה"ל שעדיין לא מכירים מי אויב ומי אוהב, פתיחה בחקירה בעקבות מות מחבל חיזבאללה שנלכד בידי צה"ל טרם ביצע רצח וטבח ביהודים - זו בושה וחרפה! החיילים הגיבורים שלנו שמחרפים נפשם למען ביטחונם של אזרחי ישראל, ראויים לכל הגיבוי והתמיכה.
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) October 19, 2024
He continued: “Opening an investigation following the death of a Hezbollah terrorist who was captured by the IDF before he could carry out murder and massacre against Jews is a disgrace and a shame! Our heroic soldiers, who risk their lives for the safety of Israel’s citizens, deserve full backing and support.”
The lawyer representing the soldiers weighed in on Saturday.
“It is simply a disgrace to summon our soldiers for investigation when they are risking their lives,” Ephraim Damari was quoted by Channel 12 as saying.
