Military authorities are still unsure whether an Arab hit-and-run driver who killed two Israeli soldiers and injured two others Monday in the Gaza Strip committed a deliberate terrorist act or simply lost control of his vehicle, as he claims.
The incident occurred on the main highway near Beit Hanun, where an Israel Defense Force platoon was marching single file alongside the road, facing oncoming traffic, according to regulations.
A car with Gaza license plates suddenly served into the column, fatally injuring Cpl. Shahar Ginossar, 19, of Kochav Yair village, and Cpl. Guy Chaikov, 19, of Netanya.
Other soldiers opened fire on the car as it sped away, wounding the driver. He was picked up by another Arab, who took him to a hospital.
The driver was treated and sent home, where he was arrested shortly afterward by Israeli security forces. The man told his questioners that he fell asleep at the wheel and had no intention of hitting the soldiers.
Israeli authorities, who said the suspect has a clean record, have reached no conclusions but tend to believe his story. They pointed out that he left his papers in his car, including driver’s license and registration, when he went for first aid and said he gave his full name and address at the hospital.
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