Israeli soldiers beaten up 'because they looked like Arabs'

'It’s a disgrace,' says father of one injured trooper

Israeli Defence Force soldiers take part in a night-time tracking drill in southern Israel (Reuters)

Two Israeli soldiers were beaten after being mistaken for "Arabs", it has been reported.

The pair were on leave and spending time in a public park when they were attacked with a shisha pipe and other objects.

They were taken to the Hillel Yaffe medical centre for treatment after suffering facial injuries, according to Israeli media.

Their attackers reportedly confronted them and shouted "You are Arabs!" during the assault in the Pardes Hanna district.

Both soldiers were Jewish Israelis, from the Golani and Kfir brigades, local media said.

The attackers are also though to be Jewish, according to police spokeswoman Luba Samri.

A teenager has been arrested, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The father of one of the soldiers told YNet: "Soldiers go on vacation and are attacked by criminals just because they look like Arabs. It’s a disgrace."

Police are also investigating whether the row erupted over the woman who was with the soldiers, it was reported.