Security Situation in the West Bank

As the heightened security situation in the Administered territories appeared to ease over the weekend, the army said it was investigating a relatively large number of complaints filed by local Arab residents of harassment by Israel Defense Force soldiers.

While military sources said the findings of those investigations could be publicized early this week, they noted that attempts by the military police to verify reports in the press of mistreatment of civilians by Israeli soldiers were difficult to trace, since few Arabs dared to provide evidence.

The streets in the town of Ramallah were relatively empty last Friday — both of soldiers and civilians. Local residents told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that this was partly because it was Friday — the Moslem Sabbath — but also because of the fear of many to take to the streets unless necessary.

Local residents complained of harsh treatment by IDF soldiers. Young men, the residents said, were required to present their identity cards, while standing with their legs spread and arms up against a wall. Some complained of beatings, while others said that regular security measures, which in the past were a matter of routine, have now become a matter of nuisance.

Whether those stories were true — and there was no way to verify them Friday — they indicated a strong feeling of frustration among the local population. They came on top of local press reports of mistreatment by soldiers of Arabs.

The army spokesman said in reaction to the reports that every complaint was being investigated, and that the soldiers were given clear instructions on how to handle the situation in the territories. The army recently took disciplinary action against several soldiers who were found guilty of mistreatment of civilians, reports said.