IDF
Investigation: The Palestinian played the violin at a checkpoint
of his own volition
Yesterday morning, November 30th, an investigation was conducted
by the Head of the Central Command, Maj. Gen. Moshe Kaplinski, regarding
the documented incident at the Beit Iba checkpoint, in which a Palestinian
man is shown playing a violin. The investigation found that the
Palestinian arrived at the checkpoint and was asked by the soldiers
to open the violin case. The Palestinian opened the case and started
to play the violin of his own volition. Several moments later, the
Palestinian was asked by the Liaison Officer to stop playing.
The
investigation was based on testimony of the soldiers who were at
the checkpoint at the time of the incident, footage filmed by the
women of "Machsom Watch" and a letter written by the women
of "Machsom Watch" which supports the soldiers' testimony,
pointing out that the Palestinian was not asked to play the violin.
The
Liaison Officer who checked the Palestinian has been performing
his duties professionally over a long period of time. His commanding
officers and the Palestinians with whom he works have often praised
his work.
The
investigation was conducted a week after the incident occurred,
since the IDF wished to conduct a thorough investigation which would
include all relevant testimony.
The
GOC Central Command accepted the findings of the investigation conducted
by the brigade, which notes that the incident appears to show a
lack of sensitivity, but in fact there was no intention to dishonour
or disrespect the Palestinian.
IDF
activity at checkpoints is complex and difficult, and it poses numerous
dilemmas for all personnel involved. The checkpoints are a necessity
for security, and are designed to prevent terrorists, weapons and
ammunition from entering Israel. The checkpoints have been proven
effective on numerous occasions, especially the ones around Nablus.
IDF
soldiers come into contact with the Palestinian population on a
daily basis and any contact with this civilian population raises
complex dilemmas. The challenge is to carry out thorough checks
in the interest of Israel's security, whilst preserving the Palestinians'
dignity.
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