Israeli soldier who assaulted CNN cameraman reprimanded but avoids criminal charges

An Israeli soldier who assaulted a CNN photojournalist in the occupied West Bank in March received a formal command reprimand but will not face criminal charges, the Israeli military announced Monday. The incident occurred in the village of Tayasir while the photojournalist, Cyril Theophilos, was filming an illegal outpost established by Israeli settlers. The soldier put Theophilos in a chokehold and forced him to the ground. The military police’s criminal investigations unit investigated the assault, but prosecutors opted for disciplinary action. The IDF stated, “After the soldier expressed remorse for his actions during the disciplinary process, he received a formal command reprimand.” This reprimand will negatively impact his future in the IDF. Following the incident, the IDF chief of staff suspended all operational activities of the soldier's reserve battalion, which was later redeployed after an education seminar and additional training.