The US State Department has requested an exhaustive criminal probe into the death of an elderly Palestinian-American man who died while being detained by Israeli Defense Forces personnel (IDF).
According to an Israeli news agency, State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that the US anticipated “complete accountability” from the IDF about the killing of Omar Abdalmajeed As’ad of Jiljilya earlier this month.
The Israeli army stated on Tuesday that it relieved two officers from their command. A third soldier, a battalion commander, will face disciplinary action in connection with the killing. However, in a statement to Washington journalists, Price stated, “We anticipate a thorough criminal inquiry and complete responsibility in this situation.”
“As soon as possible, we would appreciate getting additional details about these initiatives. We continue to consult with the Israeli government regarding this troubling incident,” he added. The Israeli army stated that As’ad’s killing on January 12 during a late-night security operation was the consequence of “moral failing and poor judgment.”
Residents brought him to a Ramallah hospital after seeing he was unresponsive. He was confirmed dead. According to an autopsy conducted subsequently by the Palestinian Authority, As’ad died of “stress-induced sudden cardiac arrest as a result of exterior injuries.”
“We remain worried about the circumstances surrounding Omar Assad’s death,” Price stated. Naturally, he was a US citizen who was discovered dead on January 12 following his detention in the West Bank by Israeli military.”
A command-level investigation has already been conducted in conjunction with an ongoing Military Police investigation, which is questioning several military members and other witnesses.
According to reports, Major-General Yehuda Fuchs, the director of Central Command, presented the probe to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi on Monday. According to Kochavi, As’ad’s death was a significant ethical blunder that violated IDF values.
“Nobody should be left on the ground in this condition, regardless of his age or state of sleep,” Fuchs continued. “Because we arrested him, we were responsible for his care.”
