Man Sentenced to Four Years for Shooting, Severely Injuring Police Officer

A Jerusalem court has sentenced Haim Tajer, a resident of Pisgat Ze'ev, to four years in prison for shooting and severely injuring police officer Hodaya Heilperin. The incident occurred when police, firefighters, and rescue teams responded to Tajer's home on January 17, 2026, following reports of his disturbed mental state and concerns for his life. As responders attempted to enter his apartment to check on him, Tajer, aware of their identities, retrieved a licensed handgun, loaded it, and positioned himself by the entrance. Shortly after the door was partially opened, he fired a single shot. The bullet struck the doorframe, ricocheted, and hit Heilperin, then 22, in the head. She sustained a penetrating head wound, a fractured skull, and severe brain damage, the consequences of which she continues to experience. Tajer pleaded guilty and was convicted of aggravated battery under a plea agreement, though the sentence was not agreed upon. The Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office had sought a seven-year sentence and NIS 150,000 in compensation, arguing the shooting was a grave act of violence that endangered multiple responders and that Tajer's actions demonstrated premeditation, not a momentary loss of control. The prosecution emphasized Heilperin's life-altering injuries. The court, however, ruled that Tajer was sane at the time of the act and understood his actions. Despite the prosecution's request, the court imposed a four-year sentence, a suspended sentence, and NIS 75,000 in compensation to Heilperin. Prosecutors stated they would review the verdict and consider their next steps.