Last update - 00:00 21/08/2007
Army mulls bolstering security after boy shot by stray IDF bullet
By Mijal Grinberg, Haaretz Correspondent
The Israel Defense Forces is considering improving the warning signs around firing areas after a 12-year-old boy was shot and lightly wounded Monday at Nitzanim beach from a stray bullet shot from an IDF firing range in the area.
Following an inquiry into the matter, the IDF said they they are considering bolstering security measures in order to avoid similar accidents in the future. According to the army's inquiry, the boy and his father entered the firing range despite the fact that it was clearly marked as a firing area.
The boy, a resident of Kiryat Gat, went to the beach Monday in order to fish with his father. His father said that he noticed the boy fall, came to his aid, and realized he was wounded.
The boy is currently hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv and is in good condition, according to head of the pediatric surgery department Dr. Ron Bilik.
"This is a very serious incident. The bullet took an incredible course and luckily did not hit any vital organ, nerve or artery", Dr. Bilik said.
The IDF called on the public Tuesday to be cautious during trips in order to avoid firing areas and to take the signs prohibiting entrance into firing areas seriously.