Teen Charged After Assaulting Disabled Palestinian Man

A 16-year-old from the settlement of Avigail has been indicted on charges including assault, driving without a license, and property damage. The indictment details an incident where the minor, along with another youth, took an all-terrain vehicle without permission. The teen, who does not possess a driver's license, was driving the vehicle when they encountered a Palestinian man who uses crutches due to an amputated leg.

According to the indictment, the teen approached the man menacingly, holding an iron bar, and ordered him to move. He then pushed the man's crutch and subsequently shoved and assaulted him. When the man's family emerged from their home, the teen allegedly approached the children in a threatening manner with the bar still in his hand. He is also accused of striking curbs with the iron bar.

The indictment consolidates three cases against the minor, including two other incidents from the past year: an assault in May and property damage in March. The charges encompass unauthorized use of a vehicle, driving without a license or insurance, threats, multiple counts of assault, and willful property damage.

The police prosecution has requested the juvenile court in Beersheba to release the teen under restrictive bail conditions. While acknowledging sufficient evidence, including victim statements and video footage, and citing the teen's dangerousness as a reason for arrest, the prosecution believes alternative measures can achieve the goals of detention. Proposed conditions include continued removal from Judea and Samaria, supervision, and financial guarantees. The prosecution also requested a pre-sentencing report from the probation service, stipulating that failure to comply with conditions could result in detention until the legal proceedings conclude.