Israeli police announced the arrest of a reservist soldier on Sunday, following an attempted shooting of a man believed to be of Arab origin in Jerusalem. The incident took place on a Friday night in the past month, according to a police statement, which did not specify the exact date.
The 34-year-old suspect, armed with his reserve service weapon, left his home with the stated intention of finding an Arab victim in a park in west Jerusalem. Upon spotting a potential target, the suspect forced the man to sit on a bench, questioning him while holding the weapon against his body. After confirming the individual’s Arab origin, the suspect aimed the weapon and attempted to fire. However, the victim managed to escape unharmed.
Authorities apprehended the suspect several days later. He confessed to firing the weapon to intimidate the victim. An indictment is anticipated in the coming days.
While such incidents are uncommon in Jerusalem, a similar event occurred in June when a Palestinian man was seriously injured during a shooting in the Old City of annexed east Jerusalem. The incident involved a dispute between off-duty Israeli soldiers and Palestinians. This recent arrest highlights the ongoing tensions within the city and underscores the need for vigilance in maintaining peace and security.
