IDF soldier who hit Haaretz photographer set to face charges

The Israel Defense Forces will hold a disciplinary hearing for the soldier who allegedly assaulted a photographer Saturday in Hebron.

An army investigation into the incident found the soldier violated orders in striking Tess Scheflan, who was on assignment for Haaretz. The soldier allegedly punched her in the face and hit her with his rifle butt while she was on the ground.

During the army's investigation, which was conducted by brigade commander Col. Udi Ben Moha, the soldier admitted he hit Scheflan in the face, but claimed this was only after she had slapped him, a charge Scheflan vehemently denies.

Ben Moha said in response that even if the photographer had struck the soldier first, he had no justification for treating her violently.

Following the investigation, Brig. Gen. Noam Tibon, the commander of IDF forces in the West Bank, instructed the soldier's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Ilan Dikstein, to hold a disciplinary hearing for him. The hearing is expected to be held shortly. Military Police investigators are unlikely to participate.

Sunday, at his commanders' suggestion, the soldier lodged an official complaint with Hebron District police, a step Scheflan is expected to take as well.