Security Officer Fatally Shot by Police After Opening Fire in Netanya

A security officer opened fire on police officers in the city of Netanya on Saturday evening before being neutralized and later dying from his wounds. The incident occurred in the Kiryat HaSharon neighborhood, with no other casualties reported. The suspect, identified as a member of the security forces, was seen with a long rifle prior to the shooting, leading to initial speculation of combat-related trauma. However, the Ministry of Defense's rehabilitation department stated he was not known to them as suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Large police forces from the Central District were deployed to the scene, and District Commander Superintendent Amir Cohen was en route. Residents described hearing intense gunfire, causing fear and prompting them to seek shelter indoors. One resident recounted hearing "bursts of gunfire" in the mid-afternoon, causing panic, while another described the suspect advancing and firing into the air, prompting calls to police and people hiding in apartments.

Paramedics were called to the scene at 7:07 PM. The head of the Organization of Disabled IDF Veterans, Idan Kaliman, called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need for Israel to better support its veterans dealing with post-combat challenges and urged the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, to order a joint inquiry by the IDF and the Ministry of Defense to examine the circumstances and support provided, aiming to prevent future occurrences.