Israeli soldiers face trial for shooting Palestinian

JERUSALEM, July 1 (Reuters) - Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the army to press stronger charges against a soldier and his commanding officer over the shooting of a bound and blindfolded Palestinian detainee in the occupied West Bank.

The incident came to light a year ago in amateur video footage that showed the soldier, acting on orders from the officer standing next to him, shooting Ashraf Abu Rahma in the foot at point-blank range with a rubber-coated metal bullet.

The soldier and officer were charged with conduct unbecoming members of Israel's armed forces and faced a maximum one-year prison term if convicted.

The Supreme Court ordered the military to issue a new indictment with more severe charges that would "accurately reflect the circumstances and the actions taken".

Abu Rahma was not seriously hurt. The soldier and officer said they had intended only to frighten him during a protest in the Palestinian village of Nilin against the construction of Israel's security barrier in the West Bank.

Palestinians and human rights organisations have long complained that Israel military authorities refrain from taking legal action against soldiers suspected of mistreating Palestinians. The video of the Nilin shooting was broadcast widely by Israeli television channels. (Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)