More "training"

A few of us ISMers went on an afternoon walk through the Souq after we were alerted by Leila, one of the shopkeepers and contacts, that a group of Israeli soldiers threw a sound grenade into the market, after some Palestinian kids threw rocks at them. By the time we got there the incident was over, but the soldiers went on a training exercise.

Part of their exercise was walking down certain alleys and passageways, and patrolling through the market.

However, another part was more disturbing. Preparing how to stop and search people, they decided it would be a good idea to practice on Palestinians. After some walking, their commander ordered them to randomly stop three Palestinian men. They were made to spread their legs and put their hands against the wall, so the men could practice searching their pockets. The men did not seem scared of the soldiers and they probably weren't shocked as this unfortunately happens often, but their frustration and humiliation was evident.

The soldiers continued on, moving on to the homes. Their commander banged on the doors of three homes, and led his men inside.

There were alway two soldiers on the lookout, and I asked one of them if this was a training exercise. He answered "yes".
I asked him if they also search Israeli civilians. Surprised and looking hurt, he looked at me.
"You want us to search Israeli civilians?"
"Why not, you do it to Palestinians."
"We do this to keep everyone safe."
I wanted to ask him who "everyone" is, since I know that many Palestinians feel very unsafe with the soldiers and settlers around, and for good reason.
Instead, I asked him if he is aware that there are also Israelis who throw rocks at Palestinians.
The soldier said he has no idea, but if he saw them doing this, he would arrest them.

Perhaps he was lying, or maybe he was being honest and is new in Hebron and doesn't know yet that his commanders would never allow him to go after the settlers.


The soldiers walked around for another 40 minutes or so, before returning to their base. The training exercise was over. They got to practice how to enter homes and search people. The fact that this involved stopping and harassing and humiliating innocent Palestinians didn't seem to at all be a factor.

The group of trainees patrolling through the Souq.

Entering a neighbourhood.

The commander stops three Palestinian men.

The men are made to stand against the wall, putting their hands against it and spreading their legs.

The last of the men is being searched. A Muslim call to prayer can be heard in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVDblRh0WUc&feature=youtu.be

The Palestinian men being searched.

A Palestinian woman and an infant watch as the soldiers continue their training patrol.

Continuing the patrol.

Entering a house and knocking on the door.

Leaving the house.

Taking a small break from patrolling the area and harassing random people.