IDF filmed paratrooper abusing Palestinians

The Military Police last week arrested a sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces Paratroopers Brigade on suspicion of abusing Palestinians when he commanded the Hawara checkpoint in the West Bank.

A crew from the IDF Education Corps filmed the sergeant's actions five months ago, in the framework of a project to document military activity at the checkpoints.

The sergeant was dismissed from command two months ago by the commander of the Paratrooper Battalion in which he served.

The commander showed the sergeant the film, telling him he would not hold a command post, and was not even worthy of wearing the Paratroopers' beret. The sergeant was questioned by the military police last week, prior to his arrest, during which gave his version of the events.

The sergeant was filmed committing three separate acts of violence, even though he was aware that he was being photographed.

In one incident, he kicked a Palestinian man, while his wife and two children were present. In a second incident, he slapped a handcuffed Palestinian, then took him inside a nearby tent, where he beat him further. In the third instance, the sergeant was filmed shattering windows of Palestinian cabs that had not queued in line at the checkpoint.

The five soldiers under the sergeant's command cautioned their commanders that he had lost control of the situation at the checkpoint. The sergeant told the film crew that he couldn't control the checkpoint and that violence was the only way in which he could get things done.

The IDF spokesman said in response that the military had a few months ago started to run a course aimed improving commanders' ability to maintain control at the checkpoints.