The IDF is investigating, and non-Orthodox rabbinical groups are speaking out, after footage on Tuesday showed a man in military fatigues pointing his weapon and firing a shot into the air near a group of volunteers at a West Bank Palestinian olive harvest, including US rabbis.

At the scene, near the northern West Bank village of Deir Istiya, a drone had hovered above the volunteers, then fell onto one of them, injuring her in the arm, footage showed.

Initially, the IDF had claimed that volunteers downed the drone with rocks, but later issued a correction. “The drone was not brought down by stones. The incident is under investigation,” the IDF’s statement said.

“The earlier response was based on initial reports and footage received, which will be included in the IDF’s internal investigation of the matter,” the statement said. It called the incident “exceptional” and said it involved “unprofessional conduct that will be investigated. Disciplinary measures will be taken against those involved accordingly.”

The incident came amid a string of reports and footage of settler violence disrupting the Palestinian olive harvest in the West Bank. Against that backdrop, groups of volunteers, including a mix of Israelis and foreigners, have come to harvest sites to protect the Palestinians and act as observers if attacks occur.

In Tuesday’s incident, the group of about 30 came from the left-wing groups........

© The Times of Israel