IDF soldier punctures tires, smashes door of Palestinian cars during West Bank operations

An IDF soldier was filmed vandalizing Palestinian cars during operations in Bethlehem over the weekend, puncturing tires, smashing windshields, and slamming his weapon against windows. Army Radio reported that at least three other soldiers witnessed the acts without intervening. The military confirmed the incident and opened an investigation.

An IDF soldier was documented vandalizing Palestinian cars during operations in Bethlehem over the weekend, according to footage published Monday by Army Radio. The soldier punctured tires, kicked doors and mirrors, smashed windshields, and slammed his weapon against windows. At least three other soldiers witnessed the acts without intervening. The military confirmed the incident occurred overnight between Saturday and Sunday, stating it viewed the acts with severity. The Etzion Regional Brigade has opened an investigation, though it refused to detail any steps taken against those involved. The incident follows a trend of nationalist crime in the West Bank, including a mosque set on fire in Kusra with the words 'Revenge for Benayahu' spray-painted, and vehicles torched in Beitillu and Khirbat Abu Falah. These incidents occurred two days after Benayahu Mellet and Maj. Yuval Ezra were killed in a shooting attack near Gilad Farm on Friday.