Israeli Army Ousts Undercover Unit Chief Over Orders to Shoot
The Israeli army has discharged the commander of an undercover unit for issuing unlawful orders to open fire, security officials said Tuesday.
The officer, discharged after an investigation by military police, was the third commander of an undercover unit to be fired or to stand trial in less than three years, they said.
Israel has repeatedly denied charges by human rights groups that undercover units pursue a shoot-to-kill policy. More than 30 Palestinians have been killed this year by undercover troops.
The investigation found that the commander, whose unit was code-named Samson, had broadened the army’s standing orders requiring soldiers to shoot at suspects’ legs unless troops’ lives are in danger.
The officials said military prosecutors offered him a choice of standing trial or resigning, but later dismissed him to prevent a public trial.
The army declined to comment on the case.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
