Israeli army killing of Palestinian Bedouin man to be investigated, but few expect a proper probe

Israeli military police have opened an investigation after a Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot dead by soldiers in the Negev Desert on 14 December, The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

It is not clear why Israeli forces opened fire and killed 27-year-old Nimr Salman al-Amrani, but soldiers later claimed it followed a drug smuggling attempt.

An initial probe by the Israeli army said that al-Amrani was taken by the suspected smugglers after being shot, and was tossed out of the vehicle shortly afterward.

Israeli soldiers are only legally only permitted to open fire if their lives are in danger, however, no reports have emerged of al-Amrani having posed a threat.

There have been countless cases where Israeli soldiers have shot and killed unarmed Palestinians with little or no consequences for the troops.

The Israeli military police will submit the investigation's findings to the military prosecutor's office.

Israeli military investigations have long drawn criticism from rights groups and Palestinians who charge that they are not independent or effective, citing a low indictment rate.