IDF unit under attack outside Bethlehem reportedly killed Palestinian

IDF counter-terror forces operating in the Deheishe neighborhood outside Bethlehem came under attack, and in the ensuing crossfire a Palestinian was reportedly killed. 

By: World Israel News Staff

A Palestinian teen was killed after IDF forces came under attack during counter-terrorism activity in a neighborhood outside of Bethlehem early Monday morning, Palestinian reports said.

The military said riots broke out while troops were conducting an arrest raid in Deheishe, with residents “throwing improvised explosive devices, Molotov cocktails and stones” at the soldiers.

An army spokesperson said the troops responded with riot control methods and live fire, including 0.22-caliber Ruger rounds, which are meant to be less lethal at close range.

Two other Palestinians were reportedly wounded.

The IDF said it was investigating the incident.

Two Palestinian suspects were arrested in the raids in Deheishe. The IDF said it confiscated a weapon-production apparatus.

The military said it was aware of the reports that a Palestinian was killed. “An investigation has been opened,” the army spokesperson said.

Six other Palestinian suspects were arrested in raids in the predawn hours of Monday morning, according to the IDF.

The suspects were handed over to the Shin Bet security service for questioning.

Former IDF general and Housing Minister Yoav Galant said Monday that the killing of the Palestinian was unlikely to spark a major deterioration of the security situation in Judea and Samaria.

Galant told Army Radio that the IDF and the Palestinian security forces have control over the situation and that there is no pressing Palestinian interest in escalation.