IDF releases results of investigation into Israeli riots in Palestinian town of Jit

The IDF on Wednesday published the results of its investigation into riots in the Palestinian village of Jit in Samaria on Aug. 15, in which about 100 masked Israelis, including extremist settlers, set fire to several vehicles and buildings, hurled stones and threw Molotov cocktails.

The results of the investigation were presented to IDF Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Blot.

“The investigation revealed that on Thursday evening, the Shin Bet received a warning about an organization of Israeli citizens in vehicles intending to carry out nationalist crimes in the Yitzhar area. IDF, Border Police, and Israel Police forces were deployed in the area in advance, at a number of junctions and main thoroughfares, in order to prevent an incident."

At approximately 8 p.m., around 100 masked Israeli civilians entered Jit setting fire to three vehicles and two buildings. They also threw stones and Molotov cocktails.

Soon after the incident, a brigade commander initiated procedures to address the situation, sending the first set of forces to Jit. However, according to the report, the forces struggled to accurately assess the situation and consequently did not respond with sufficient resolve.

Within minutes, additional IDF troops arrived along with Border Patrol units and began dispersing the rioters. Within about 30 minutes, the rioters were successfully removed from the village.

During the riot, IDF soldiers rescued Palestinian families, including women and children, from burning buildings, providing them with first aid. Border Police forces were also stationed along nearby roads to prevent additional Israelis from reaching the area and joining the riots. The report also confirmed that a Palestinian was killed by gunfire and another wounded. The shooting is still under investigation by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency.

However, the investigation also revealed that several members of an alert squad from a nearby Jewish community arrived in Jit without authorization. They were dressed in uniform and acted beyond their authority. As a result, two squad members were dismissed, and their weapons were confiscated.

Last week, four suspects were arrested, based on Shin Bet intelligence, for their involvement in the riots. Three of the suspects were adults, and the fourth was a minor. Following police interrogation, the three adults were placed in administrative detention.

Blot stated: “This is a very serious terrorist incident by Israelis who deliberately set out to harm the residents of the village of Jit. We failed by not being able to arrive earlier to defend them. The responsibility is first and foremost mine as the head of the system and I will do everything to improve it.”

He also thanked the IDF reserve soldiers who “acted at risk to their lives, saving the lives of Palestinians trapped in houses that caught fire.”

“Much work is still ahead of us and we will be tested by actions and not words,” Blot added. “The investigation is still ongoing and will not be concluded until the rioters are brought to justice.”