Israeli police have confirmed that they arrested an IDF soldier on Wednesday on suspicion of the murder of a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank last month.
The alleged victim, 28-year-old Amir Moatasem Odeh, died of gunshot wounds on March 14 during a suspected attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Qusra.
Local mayor Hani Odeh told AFP at the time: “This evening, settlers attacked the area located on the western side of the village, and opened fire on residents who were trying to defend their homes.”
IDF troops and officers from the Israeli Police were dispatched to the scene to “disperse the gathering”.
Police said that the suspect is a settler serving in an IDF regional defence battalion who, they allege, “acted outside the scope of his duties” during the incident. His firearm has been confiscated.
Following the confirmation of the arrest, a court extended the soldier’s remand until Friday, when it will be reviewed again.
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