Israel Suspends Battalion After CNN Journalists Attack

In an unusual decision, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) suspended an entire reserve battalion following a confrontation with CNN reporters in the West Bank. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, involved Israeli soldiers engaging with a CNN crew documenting an attack by settlers and the establishment of an illegal outpost in the Palestinian village of Tayasir.

Commander Calls Incident a “Serious Failure”

The IDF’s top commander labeled the event a “serious ethical and professional failure,” emphasizing the breach of journalistic standards. A statement released on Monday indicated the unit would undergo a review to strengthen its disciplinary framework, with its operations paused during the process.

“This was not a misunderstanding. It was a violent assault on clearly identified journalists and a direct attack on press freedom,” said the Foreign Press Association, which represents hundreds of media professionals in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

CNN reported that during the encounter, a soldier directed his rifle at the crew, and another physically restrained photojournalist Cyril Theophilos, forcing him to the ground and damaging his camera. The journalists were subsequently detained, according to the network. Video footage, shared by CNN, captured the moment.

Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesperson, acknowledged the soldiers’ actions as “not representing the IDF” and confirmed an investigation. “I apologized privately, and I will say it again — this shouldn’t have happened,” he stated on X. The military has launched a formal inquiry into the event.

Israeli media noted the suspension of an entire battalion as a rare measure intended to deter future misconduct. However, soldiers within the unit expressed dismay, calling it collective punishment. The battalion is expected to resume duty once the review concludes.

The suspension highlights ongoing international scrutiny of the IDF’s treatment of journalists. Last year, Reporters Without Borders cited Israeli forces as responsible for nearly half of all journalist fatalities in 2025.

To view the video, enable JavaScript and upgrade to a browser supporting HTML5 video.