The Honenu legal aid organization claimed Saturday night that an IDF reconnaissance soldier, who was on leave, was arrested Saturday after responding to assist a shepherd who was attacked near the Alon Road by Arab rioters from the village of al-Mughayyir.
According to Honenu, the incident began shortly before sundown on Friday when dozens of rioters threw stones and launched fireworks at the shepherd. Following the report of the incident, security forces and local farmers, including the soldier, were called to the scene.
The organization said the soldier arrived at the scene but waited for IDF forces and did not open fire. According to Honenu, IDF troops who arrived dispersed the rioters using stun and tear gas grenades, allowing the shepherd to return safely to the farm.
Attorney Nati Rom, representing the soldier on behalf of Honenu, sharply criticized the arrest, saying, “My client, despite being on leave, rushed with his weapon to assist a shepherd in distress, only to find himself under arrest today like a common criminal.”
AFSI Insight
This report raises serious questions about whether those who act to protect Israeli lives are receiving fair treatment under the law. According to the initial reports, the soldier did not fire his weapon and waited for security forces before any action was taken, yet he was detained while the investigation continues.
AFSI believes that Jewish shepherds and communities in Judea and Samaria face ongoing violence and intimidation that demands a strong and decisive security response. Those who answer calls for assistance should not be presumed guilty without clear evidence. While any allegation involving the use of force will be investigated thoroughly and impartially, Israel must also ensure that its soldiers and civilians are not subjected to politically motivated accusations or treated as criminals simply for coming to the aid of fellow Jews. As we saw last week at Chavat Gilad, security teams put their own lives in danger by waiting for IDF forces to arrive. We must ask why an off-duty soldier or Rav Shatz must wait for IDF before taking defensive action.
Source:
Honenu: Soldier who rushed to help shepherd arrested, by Israel National News, August 1, 2026