IDF opens fire on PA forces in Nablus in case of mistaken identity

The IDF says that its operation was aimed at detaining individuals involved in terror activity.

By World Israel News Staff 

An investigation is underway into a clash which took place in Nablus (Shechem) on Tuesday morning between Israeli and Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces in what the Israeli military says was a case of mistaken identity.

In a statement, the IDF said that the Palestinian troops had initially been identified by the Israeli soldiers as “suspects.” Only afterward, says the Israeli statement, was it “determined that it was Palestinian security services personnel.”

No Israeli casualties were reported from the incident. Nablus Governor Ibrahim Ramadan claims Israel had not coordinated the IDF’s entry into the city, as is common practice, and that a number of Palestinians were hurt, according to Arab media. Palestinian media reported that three were injured.

“This is a very serious incident; there will be ramifications,” said a senior Palestinian security source, according to the Israel Hayom daily.

The IDF says that its operation in Shechem was aimed at detaining individuals involved in terror activity.

Israeli officials have noted that despite cool political ties between Israel and the PA, security cooperation has continued.

The officials add that such cooperation helps not only Israel but also the Palestinian security forces, in particular in fighting efforts by Hamas to gain greater control in Judea and Samaria since the terror group successfully overthrew the PA in the Gaza Strip in 2007.