Polygraph Simultaneously Clears and Clouds the Issue

The IDF soldier that was filmed shooting a handcuffed and blindfolded Palestinian protester in the foot was released back to his unit after asserting that his commanding officer ordered him to open fire.

The officer, Lieutenant Colonel Omri Fruberg, took a polygraph test at the urging of his lawyers that confirms that he did not give the order. He is scheduled to take another polygraph today.

Haaretz says:

The investigation began after the soldier, who was filmed shooting a Palestinian protester during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Na'alin, said he just been carrying out an order by Fruberg.

In the video, Fruberg is shown holding the arm of the Palestinian, Ashraf Abu-Rahama, 27, while a soldier under his command opens fire at close range. Abu-Rahama sustained light wounds to his foot in the incident.

This will likely clear Fruberg of wrongdoing, so the question is whether or not the soldier who fired will be held responsible. The outcome depends largely on how closely Israeli media continues to follow the case.