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IDF Chief Zamir removes entire Netzah Israel battalion from West Bank after alleged CNN crew assault
·West Bank, Israel
IDF officially confirmed Chief of Staff Zamir ended the 941st Netzah Israel Battalion's operational activity in the West Bank following an investigation into the alleged assault of a CNN crew. The battalion will remain in reserve duty and undergo training 'strengthening its professional and ethical foundations.' It may return to operational activity — with command approval — after completing that process.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly ordered the early removal of the Menashe Regional Brigade 941st Netzah Israel Battalion from operational activity in the West Bank following a Thursday incident in which soldiers detained and allegedly assaulted a CNN crew. CNN journalist Jeremy Diamond said a soldier put his cameraman in a chokehold as troops tried to prevent them from filming at an illegal West Bank outpost. Soldiers in the unit were filmed making statements that the entire West Bank belongs to Jews and saying they were avenging the killing of a settler. The 941st is a reserve unit made up mostly of former Kfir Brigade Netzah Yehuda soldiers. The battalion had been due to remain in West Bank operations until end of April; Zamir ordered it removed early. The IDF had not formally commented on the move as of the time of reporting. The decision to remove an entire battalion is highly unusual and reflects the intensity of scrutiny on IDF conduct during a period when the military is simultaneously managing operations against Iran, Hezbollah, and Palestinian militant groups.
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IDF Chief Zamir orders early removal of 941st Netzah Israel Battalion from West Bank operations after alleged CNN crew assault; battalion due until April
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