Four arrested after gun seized from off-duty soldier in West Bank

Israeli police have arrested four suspects in connection with the theft of a rifle from a young soldier on leave in the southern West Bank on Saturday. The incident, which occurred in the Hebron Hills area, involved the suspects approaching, attacking and disarming the serviceman before making off with his weapon. Two of those arrested were apprehended in the immediate aftermath of the incident, whilst a third was detained by undercover officers. The fourth suspect turned himself in to authorities. The circumstances surrounding the theft remain under investigation by Israeli law enforcement agencies, who are examining footage and witness accounts of the brazen daylight robbery. The recovery of weapons through theft from military personnel has been a recurring security concern in the West Bank, prompting enhanced protocols for soldiers on leave. The incident has raised fresh questions about security measures for off-duty troops in contested areas of the territory.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.