IDF Rescues Two Soldiers from Arab Neighborhood

JERUSALEM, Israel -- It was a terrifying experience for two IDF soldiers who found themselves in the Arab neighborhood of Kalandiya north of Jerusalem late Monday night.

There are conflicting reports as to how they got there and when the rioting began.

Some reports claim the soldiers were following the Waze navigational app when they mistakenly entered Kalandiya, an accusation the company denied, telling AFP the app is equipped with a default setting that blocks routes to dangerous areas.

Large red signs also mark areas under Palestinian Authority control that are off limits for Israelis.

According to some reports, the soldiers were targeted with rocks, firebombs and gunfire shortly after they drove into the area. When a Molotov cocktail set their military vehicle on fire, they were forced to flee in different directions.

One of them lost cell phone contact with the army, as he made his way to the nearby Jewish community of Kochav Yaakov and was later picked up. The second soldier, who was able to maintain contact from his hiding place in a backyard, was rescued first.

Fearing a hostage situation, the IDF deployed large numbers of troops around the neighborhood, as helicopters flew overhead and flares lit up the night sky. Before long, rioters upped the ante, firing at soldiers, who returned fire.

According to Palestinian sources, there were 10 injuries and one fatality among Kalandiya residents. Five Border Police and several soldiers were also wounded in the gun battles.