TEL AVIV, June 4, 2025 (WAFA) — The Hebrew-language newspaper Haaretz reported today that the Israeli occupation army promoted an officer who had ordered his soldiers to open fire on civilians from the Gaza Strip waving white flags while passing along the Netzarim Corridor late last year.

The newspaper stated that the officer, who was seen by soldiers ordering the shooting of a Gaza resident waving a white flag, was promoted to the position of battalion commander, while the army has yet to decide whether to open an investigation.

The case was initially exposed in December 2024 through an opinion column in Haaretz, written by a soldier who witnessed the incident. The report was also part of a broader investigative piece by Haaretz on events that occurred at the Netzarim junction during that period.

According to testimonies cited by Haaretz, in an incident near the Netzarim Corridor last year, the officer insisted on firing at two Palestinians attempting to cross the road. However, another officer intervened and refused to carry out the order.

Following the publication of the column, the military police contacted the author, Haim Har-Zahav, and summoned him for testimony. Despite several months passing since his testimony, no decision has yet been made about launching an investigation, and the officer—who is a reservist holding the rank of major—has not been summoned for questioning.

Haaretz also noted that the officer was promoted to battalion commander, though his name was not disclosed. The battalion he is set to lead is an infantry unit responsible for ground operations during the war in the Gaza Strip.

T.R.