Israel Matzav

What if the situation were reversed?

An IDF soldier has been sentenced to seven and a half months in a military prison for stealing a 'Palestinian's credit card during Operation Cast Lead and using it to withdraw NIS 1600 (a little less than $400) from the 'Palestinian's bank account. The soldier has also made full restitution to the 'Palestinian' with interest.

The soldier was arrested about three months ago and was indicted a few days later. After admitting to charges of looting, credit card fraud, and indecent conduct during the IDF offensive in Gaza in January, the defendant asked his attorney to compensate the Palestinian in full, with interest.

The attorney, Shai Roda, transferred NIS 1,620 ($410) in cash to the Palestinian's lawyer.

Roda also handed the Palestinian's lawyer a letter saying, "My client is regretful and wishes to pass on his sincere apologies for withdrawing funds from your client's account."

According to the prosecution, the combat soldier entered a Palestinian home in Zeitun neighborhood during the fighting in Gaza in order to obtain a lookout position.

He found a wallet under the bed which contained a Visa card and a note on which the card's 4-digit code was written, the indictment says. He took the card and placed it in them pocket of his uniform.

The soldier then attempted to use the card to withdraw money from banks in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan. All in all he tried on nine different attempts to withdraw a total of NIS 5,800 ($1,441), but succeeded only in receiving NIS 1,600 ($398).

Anyone want to speculate what would have happened if a 'Palestinian' had taken a Jew's credit card under similar circumstances? The answer would probably involve a Swiss bank account.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:57 PM