An Israeli army brigade commander, Colonel Yishai Rosilio, has been reprimanded for violating orders by allowing settlers to carry out unauthorized renovation work at the Ibrahimi Mosque site in Hebron, West Bank. According to the Times of Israel, an investigation has been launched by the Civil Administration against Colonel Rosilio, who was until Thursday the commander of the Judea Regional Brigade, after Jordanian Awqaf officials requested explanations from Israel regarding video footage taken by Palestinians of the maintenance work on the night of July 10.
A roof covering was installed in the Jewish section of the site without the knowledge of either the Jordanian or Israeli government officials, which contradicts the agreed conditions governing the site. Rosilio attempted to give the impression that he was surprised by the maintenance work that night, despite being aware of the intention to carry out the work, according to sources familiar with his interrogation cited by Haaretz. Border police leaders, who provide security for the site, contradicted the colonel's claims, telling investigators that Rosilio himself coordinated the work with the settler administration in Hebron and approved the entry of workers and a crane to the site.
The investigation ultimately concluded that Rosilio's account was flawed and that he deliberately approved the maintenance work without the consent of his superiors and political officials. The commander of the Israeli Central Command, Major General Avi Blot, ordered the roof dismantled in the presence of representatives from the Jordanian Awqaf and other officials, while Israeli officials continued to communicate with the Palestinian Authority and Jordan to manage tensions.
