Kochav Hashahar, West Bank – An IDF reservist was injured after inadvertently setting off an explosive charge hidden under a Palestinian flag that he kicked while on temporary leave, according to reports from Israeli media. The incident took place in Kochav Hashahar, a settlement in the West Bank on Sunday. The reservist sustained light injuries and refused to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
Reports initially suggested that a resident of Binyamin, also in the West Bank, had been wounded, but the IDF later confirmed that the injured individual was in fact an IDF soldier on vacation. The military has deployed troops to the area to search for any suspects involved in the incident.
This attack occurred shortly after a separate attempted stabbing and shooting attack on IDF soldiers north of Hebron. In addition to these incidents, there was also an attempted shooting attack at Kibbutz Meirav on Mount Gilboa on the same day. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although a compound did sustain minor damage.
Following the events in Kochav Hashahar, an explosive device was thrown at IDF troops searching for suspects in the nearby village of Jalbun. Despite the potential danger, no injuries or damages were reported in this incident. The military has taken measures to block off roads in the area as part of their search for suspects.
Notably, in January, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a directive banning the display of Palestinian flags in public spaces and instructed police to remove any flags they come across. The motive behind the attack in Kochav Hashahar and other recent incidents remains under investigation as authorities continue to monitor and respond to security threats in the region.
The situation is still developing, and more information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.