Israeli military court: Evidence against soldier not conclusive

At the IDF military court’s first hearing of the charges against an Israeli soldier who was caught on film killing an injured Palestinian terrorist in Hebron last week, the judge Lt. Col Ronen Shor found the evidence brought against him inconclusive and extended his remand by two days. The prosecution refused to define the charge against him except that it was serious. The case has set off a storm of controversy, with an opinion poll determining that more than 80 percent justify the soldier’s action. They dispute the defense minister’s determination that the soldier violated IDF regulations and values by shooting dead a terrorist – even after he stabbed a soldier – as he lay injured on the ground. His defense counsel argued that the soldier feared the terrorist was concealing an explosive device under a heavy coat and it was essential to neutralize him finally.