Israeli soldiers detained a CNN news crew in the occupied West Bank after violently assaulting a photojournalist and putting him in a chokehold, then openly acknowledged protecting illegal settler outposts and seeking revenge against Palestinians during the two-hour detention.
Soldiers Attack Journalists Covering Settlement Violence
The CNN team traveled to Tayasir village to report on settler attacks against Palestinians, including the beating of a 75-year-old man inside his home. Instead of detaining settlers or dismantling the illegal outpost established just twelve hours earlier, Israeli military forces aimed rifles at the journalists and Palestinian residents. One soldier approached photojournalist Cyril Theophilos from behind, placed him in a chokehold, threw him to the ground, and damaged his camera equipment. Multiple journalists and Palestinian civilians were detained by the armed forces.
Soldiers Admit Protecting Illegal Settlements, Seeking Revenge
During the detention, a soldier identifying himself as Meir confirmed he was protecting an outpost illegal under Israeli law. When asked if he was helping make it legal, Meir responded directly that he helps his people and the outpost would eventually become legal. The soldiers repeatedly stated all of the West Bank belongs to Israel and the Jewish people, describing all Palestinians as terrorists. They discussed seeking revenge for Yehuda Sherman, an 18-year-old settler whom Israeli authorities claim a Palestinian driver killed. When asked if they were carrying out revenge, Meir confirmed, explaining that if the state does not address killings, soldiers would take matters into their own hands.
Settler Violence Surges Amid Iran Conflict
Settler attacks against Palestinians skyrocketed following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and have spiked again during the recent Iran conflict. Israeli human rights activists and journalists increasingly describe these attacks as Jewish terrorism. The current Israeli government, described as the most right-wing in the country’s history, has legalized dozens of previously illegal settlement outposts since October 2023. Meir outlined the standard settler strategy: establish outposts on Palestinian land, count on military protection or inaction, then secure government legalization.
Military Responds to Soldier Conduct
The Israeli military told CNN that the actions and behavior of the soldiers in the incident were incompatible with standards. The detention and assault raise serious questions about military conduct in the occupied territories and the relationship between Israeli forces and the settler movement. The evidence documented by the CNN crew adds to a growing body of reporting from journalists, activists, and Palestinians showing Israeli soldiers supporting settler attacks or standing by while settlers encroach on Palestinian land and assault residents.