Outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz reacted Monday to the Palestinian Authority accusing the Israel Defense Forces of intentionally killing 16-year-old Jana Majdi Assam Zakarna during a raid the West Bank town of Jenin. Speaking at his faction’s weekly meeting, Gantz said, “I express my sorrow for her death, as for any death of someone who was not involved in terrorism, if that was indeed the case.”
Gantz added that the Israeli security forces had conducted the raid to arrest Palestinians suspected of recent shooting attacks and involvement in terror activities. “The matter is under investigation, and I can assure you of one thing: Unlike those who stand by the roads with weapons, stones and Molotov cocktails, waiting for an opportunity to murder Israeli girls and boys, women, elderly and children, IDF soldiers do not shoot deliberately at uninvolved people. The IDF will continue to act to thwart terrorism, anywhere and at any time, while adhering to the rules of engagement. The commanders and soldiers have full support to continue to fulfill their mission with professionalism and determination.”
