Israeli Forces Kill Rabbi On Way To Prayer After Mistaking Him For Insurgent At Roadblock

For years, Palestinians have complained about the use of force at roadblocks by the Israel Defense Force. This week a tragedy has highlighted those concerns for the Israeli populace after the IDF killed a 55-year-old Israeli rabbi and settler, Dan Mertzbach, after he failed to stop. Notably, according to reports today, “[t]he Defense Ministry announced to the National Insurance Institute on Friday that Mertzbach will be recognized as the victim of a ‘terror event.'”

The designation of the victim of a “terror event” will allow payment to the family.

Soldiers opened fire after he failed to stop at a temporary checkpoint in the southern West Bank. The roadblock was set up after reports of a suspicious car on the road. The two passengers were wounded. In addition, the soldier who fired the shots was injured when he ran toward the car and was hit by a passing Palestinian truck.

This tragedy follows the killing of the nephew of the Israeli Culture minister after reportedly trying to run a Palestinian roadblock.

The United States has also been accused of the unjustified use of force at checkpoints and near convoys.

Source: Global Post