IDF Shooter to Be Charged With Manslaughter

Military prosecutors announced Thursday that they would charge with manslaughter the IDF soldier who shot at a terrorist when he was neutralized and on the ground after soldiers shot him when he tried to stab them on Purim morning. Prosecutors again asked for an extension of his remand, until at least next Tuesday. The indictment will be brought next week, the prosecutors said.

The soldier is not in jail, but is confined to base, despite appeals by prosecutors to keep him locked up. Formal charges have still not been filed against the soldier over three weeks after the incident. The IDF prosecutor has decided not to charge the soldier with murder as he had originally planned, as he was apparently unable to prove those charges – thus the reduction of charges.

Reports Thursday said that the prosecutors would probably demand that the soldier serve several years in prison. According to the reports, the soldier’s attorneys are attempting to work out a plea deal to either reduce the charges even further, or to ensure that he will not be required to serve time.