Israel’s military chief reprimands 2 senior officers for deadly shootings of Palestinians

Israeli officers reprimanded for deadly shootings

JERUSALEM — Israel’s military chief has reprimanded two senior officers over shooting incidents last month that killed four Palestinians in the West Bank.

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi says the deaths could have been avoided. In one case, two Palestinian rioters were fatally shot during a violent protest. In another, a soldier shot dead two Palestinians he believed were attacking him.

Ashkenazi says the soldiers could have handled the situations differently, and their commanders should have prepared them better.

Tuesday’s statement says Ashkenazi reprimanded an Israeli colonel and a lieutenant colonel — a punishment that will likely hurt their career advancement.

Ashkenazi also removed a first sergeant from his post, saying he could no longer serve as a commander.