The IDF has launched an investigation to determine why soldiers fired live bullets into a group of protesters trying to break through the security fence in Mahseya east of Rosh Ha'ayin on Friday afternoon, wounding an Israeli demonstrator and an American activist.

The shooting of an Israeli peace activist demonstrating against the controversial West Bank separation barrier prompted fierce debate here Sunday with the army accused of being trigger-happy.

The incident, which was the first time that Israeli Jews had been shot at with live bullets since the start of the intifada more than three years ago, dominated coverage of Israeli newspapers and radio phone-ins.

The Israeli Defence Forces have already launched an inquiry into the shooting on Friday which left Gil Naamati, a member of the "Anarchists Against the Wall" movement, with serious leg injuries.

Israel Defense Force soldiers shot and wounded two people during a demonstration against the West Bank security fence Friday, Ha'aretz reported.

An Israeli man sustained light wounds, while a foreign tourist was more seriously injured.

The incident occurred close to the Palestinian village of Mahase, where around 100 members of the Anarchist Movement against the Wall and the International Solidarity Movement were protesting against the construction of the security fence.

During the protest, troops used live ammunition but later, another foreign activist was wounded by a rubber bullet.

Several hundred protesters attacked the security fence near the village of Zububa outside Jenin Sunday to kick off an international protest day against the barrier in events from Ramallah to New York.

Soldiers used tear gas and rubber bullets against Israeli, Palestinian, and foreign activists affiliated with the International Solidarity Movement who tore down a section of the West Bank security fence and forced open a locked gate on Monday. Five foreign ISM volunteers were reported wounded.