Israeli Soldier Filmed Hitting Activist Who Photographed Him in West Bank

An Israeli soldier was caught on camera attacking activists from the left-wing organization Ta'ayush, near the West Banksettlement of Pnei Hever.

A documentation of the incident, which was spread by rights organization B'Tselem, shows the soldier- who is likely an officer or a soldier in reserve duty- carrying a cellphone and taking pictures of those around him while he is surrounded by other soldiers.

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The soldier is then seen approaching activists he had spoken with and hitting the camera they used to take pictures of him or the activist who held the camera.

A different video, shot from a different angle, shows the soldier hitting the activist in the shoulder while the latter took pictures of him.

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According to the organization, activists were in the area to help Palestinians tend to their orchards and plow the land near the settlement, as they do most weeks.

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The Israeli military said in response: "This morning, a number of Ta'ayush activists arrived near the Pnei Hever settlement in the Judea Brigade area, and a preliminary investigation revealed that one of the fighters was operating beyond what's required. This incident will be handled by the command chain after the evidence and interrogation of the soldier are reviewed."