Settler suspected of IDF base vandalism

"Price Tag" strikes again: The Police International Crime Investigations Unit has arrested a right-wing activist on suspicion of involvement in a vandalism incident at a West Bank IDF base earlier this month.

The suspect is a 27-year-old resident of the Eli settlement. The incident is said to have been a "price tag" response to the demolition of settlement homes.

• 'Price Tag' reaches IDF base
• 3 houses razed in Migron outpost
• IDF chief: Price tag vandals – extremist criminals
  

"My client denies all ties to the charges," the suspect's attorney, Adi Keidar, said. "This measure aims to please the police commissioner. The detainee has no part in the incident."

A source close to the suspect told Ynet: "He's a young man, a bit talkative and a jabberer, boasts about things he didn't do. Maybe the Police's International Crime Investigations Unit is thinking about a second Margol (Margalit Tzanani) case. But this guy has nothing to do with violent activities, just talks too much."

Price Tag at IDF base (Photo: B'Tselem)

Earlier in September, anonymous vandals broke into a military base in the Binyamin region, cut the cables of IDF jeeps, damaged vehicle tires and spray painted them with the words "Ramat Migron". At least 11 vehicles were damaged.

The price tag actions came in response to the demolition of structures in the Migron outpost earlier this month.

A military official estimated that it would have been nearly impossible to penetrate the base without being exposed and believes that soldiers cooperated and even took part in the price tag acts.

The base walls near the jeeps were spray painted with slogans: "Binyamin Brigade Commander – bad for the Jews" and "Regards from the hills".

IDF Chief of Staff Major-General Benny Gantz condemned the incident. "This vandalism act was carried out by a group of extremist criminals. All of us - commanders, soldiers and civilians – remember and keep remiding that the IDF isn't the enemy. The IDF is the defender operating in accordance with the law and with the guidance provided by the Israeli government. I'm sure the perpetrators will be caught."

• Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
  

• Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop