An Israeli military battalion that assaulted and detained a CNN team in the occupied West Bank has been redeployed after a one-month suspension, an Israeli security source told CNN.
The reserve unit, which functions under the ultra-Orthodox “Netzah Yehuda” battalion, underwent an education seminar and additional training, the source said. According to Israel’s Army Radio, the unit is expected to return to full operation activities in the coming days.
On March 30, soldiers from the battalion detained a CNN team covering settler violence in the village of Tayasir in the West Bank. One soldier placed photojournalist Cyril Theophilos in a chokehold, bringing him to the ground and damaging his camera. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir took disciplinary action that appeared to be unprecedented, suspending the unit within 48 hours.
A military official told CNN that the assault on Theophilos would be investigated by Israel’s military police. The IDF called the incident a “serious ethical and professional failure.” The IDF had said the military would undergo training “aimed at reinforcing its professional and ethical foundations” and that Israel’s Central Command, which governs military operations in the West Bank, would decide when they could return to duty.
Police have not yet released any findings or disciplinary measures following a military police investigation. The soldier who assaulted the CNN photojournalist has not faced any additional known suspension or disciplinary measures.
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