Today, Israeli Military Police arrested Staff Sgt. (res.) Aviad Frija, a reservist soldier suspected of mistakenly shooting an armed civilian during a terror attack in Yerushalayim last week. Frija, alongside another off-duty soldier, responded to the attack at a bus stop, engaging the assailants. However, Yuval Castleman, an armed civilian who had also fired at the terrorists, was shot by Frija after putting down his weapon and raising his hands. Frija’s preliminary arrest was initiated due to inconsistencies between his initial testimony and subsequent Military Police questioning.
The detention is described as a “preliminary arrest,” and interrogation is set to continue. Discrepancies in Frija’s statements and evidence from the shooting scene prompted the arrest. The other soldier involved, who opened fire and sustained injuries, was also questioned. Both soldiers, on a break from Gaza Strip operations, were en route to the front line when the incident occurred.
The Israel Defense Forces expressed regret for the death of Yuval Castleman, acknowledging his courageous response during the attack. Castleman, driving on the opposite side of the street, confronted the terrorists with his firearm. Unfortunately, he was mistaken for a third assailant by the soldiers, leading to at least one, Frija, firing at him. The attack resulted in three fatalities and five injuries.
Graphic footage shows Castleman throwing away his gun, kneeling, and raising his hands, shouting, “Don’t shoot,” as soldiers approached. He was shot again despite pleas and identification as Jewish. Castleman’s lawyers argue that videos create a distorted impression and stress the need to consider the soldier’s perspective, maintaining he believed he was firing at a live threat.
After the Military Police investigation, potential criminal charges against Frija will be determined. IDF protocols prohibit shooting at individuals with raised hands, and the soldier’s conduct deviated from military norms. President Isaac Herzog visited Castleman’s family, expressing condolences and emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive investigation. He called for a discussion on weapon regulations and open-fire policies.
Earlier, Yuval’s father criticized the soldier’s actions as an “execution” and demanded a thorough investigation. He detailed Yuval’s efforts to identify himself and pleaded for mercy.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, amidst criticism, reiterated the importance of armed civilians, acknowledging potential costs but advocating for their continued role in current situations.
{Matzav.com Israel}
