IDF suspends soldiers for reciting Jewish prayer inside Jenin mosque

An IDF soldier is seen holding a microphone and reciting Shema Yisrael through the mosque's loudspeaker.

 A general view of a mosque, after the Israeli army's withdrawal from the Jenin camp, July 5, 2023 (photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)
A general view of a mosque, after the Israeli army's withdrawal from the Jenin camp, July 5, 2023
(photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

In a video circulating on social media, an IDF soldier can be seen reciting the Shema Yisrael prayer in a mosque in Jenin, where the military is currently operating extensively against terrorist infrastructure.

In the video, a soldier is seen holding a microphone and reciting Shema Yisrael, the same microphone that would be used for the Muslim call to prayer. The echoes of the Shema could be heard bouncing off the walls in Jenin.

The IDF responded to the circulating footage, stating that such demeanor is deemed "unacceptable." Later, the Israeli military confirmed that the soldiers involved were suspended from all operational activities.

"The soldiers' conduct in the video is unacceptable and contradicts the IDF's core values," the IDF said, adding that they will also be disciplined accordingly.

Operations in Jenin

A number of tunnel openings were also identified in the area on Wednesday.

Four IDF soldiers were seriously injured and another one lightly, while seven terrorists were killed and five were injured, following an extensive operation conducted by combined forces of the Border Police and the IDF under the guidance of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), which lasted for over a day in the area.

During the operation, the forces were attacked by armed individuals who threw explosive devices at them, and in response, shots were fired at the terrorists, who were then injured and apprehended.

During the operation, 15 suspects involved in terrorist activities and attempts to harm the security forces were arrested and taken in for questioning by the Shin Bet.


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Additionally, some 230 Palestinians from Jenin and the refugee camp were detained for questioning, and the decision regarding their release will be made after their interrogation.