IDF probe finds horseplay behind errant bullet that killed soldier

An Israel Defense Forces soldier killed two weeks ago by an errant bullet at a Golan Heights base had been engaging in horseplay with his comrade at the time of the accident, Army Radio reported on Wednesday.

The two soldiers had apparently been playing with their rifles when one accidentally went off, killing Sergeant Or Hadad, an internal probe has found.

According to the investigation, Hadad's fellow soldier had pointed the rifle in his direction and pulled the trigger while demonstrating its optical capabilities.

The investigation also found that the soldier who cocked the gun had not dismantled or cleaned his weapon in three weeks.

Lieutenant-Colonel Shuki Ribek, commanding officer of the Battalion 51, called the offending soldier's behavior "criminal".

GOC Northern Command Gadi Eizenkot has ordered the establishment of an investigation panel into the matter, but noted that the probe was still not complete.