IDF suspends soldiers for reciting Jewish prayer inside Jenin mosque

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.

דיווחים פלסטינים: חיילי צה"ל משתמשים בכרוז של אחד המסגדים במחנה הפליטים ג'נין ומשמיעים בו שירי חנוכה וקריאות שמע ישראל | תיעוד@eliorlevy pic.twitter.com/Pcr53t2Wcb

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) December 14, 2023

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.

During Operational activity of IDF forces in close proximity to a mosque in Jenin. Soldiers acted against IDF codes of conduct within a religious establishment. The soldiers were immediately removed from operational activity, after receiving the videos and an initial inspection…

— Lt. Col. Richard Hecht (@LtColRichard) December 14, 2023

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.

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.