'This was not a misunderstanding': FPA condemns Israeli soldiers who allegedly choked CNN journalist

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WASHINGTON, DC: An international journalists’ organization has raised serious concerns after a reporting team from CNN was allegedly manhandled by Israeli troops while covering developments in the West Bank.

The incident, which unfolded near the Palestinian village of Tayasir on Saturday, March 28, has sparked fresh debate around the safety of reporters working in volatile regions.

The Foreign Press Association has urged authorities to investigate the matter, calling the episode deeply troubling.

Foreign Press Association condemns the incident

According to the Foreign Press Association, the journalists were on the ground documenting tensions linked to settler activity when they were stopped by soldiers.

What followed, the group claims, went far beyond routine questioning.

“The soldiers aggressively targeted the crew and Palestinian civilians present, pointing their rifles at them,” the association said, stressing that the journalists had already made their identity clear.

The situation reportedly escalated further as the crew attempted to continue filming.

“The soldiers repeatedly tried to infringe the CNN crew’s right to film, ordering the crew to stop filming and threatening to confiscate the camera,” the statement added.

In its most serious allegation, the group said, “An IDF soldier approached CNN’s photojournalist from behind, placed him in a chokehold, slammed him to the ground and damaged his camera. The actions cross all lines.” 

The journalist was later identified as Cyril Theophilos.

Rejecting the idea that the episode was accidental, the FPA said, “This was not a misunderstanding. It was a violent assault on clearly identified journalists,” warning that such actions represented “a direct attack on press freedom.”

CNN reported that the crew's detention lasted two hours.

The controversy comes on the heels of another confrontation involving CNN staff earlier this month during Ramadan.

In that case, a producer reportedly suffered a fractured wrist after an altercation with Israeli police while covering prayers near Jerusalem’s Old City.

Israel Defense Forces assures probe

The Israel Defense Forces has acknowledged the incident and has indicated that a review is underway.

Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said the behavior described did not align with the military’s standards. “The soldiers’ conduct does not represent the IDF and will be investigated,” he stated.

He also issued an apology, adding, “This shouldn’t have happened. Our job is to maintain law and order, among which is allowing for freedom of the press.”

While the response signals recognition of the issue, it remains unclear what consequences, if any, will follow the inquiry.