Arab Political Bloc Condemns Police Shooting in Umm al-Fahm; Police Cite Self-Defense

The Joint List, an Arab political alliance, has condemned the fatal shooting of Ala'a Muhaimid, 38, from Umm al-Fahm, by police during an attempted arrest. The party accused Israeli police of a "hair-trigger policy" against Arab citizens and negligence in combating crime within the Arab community. In a statement, the Joint List alleged that under directives from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, police employ excessive force against Arab citizens, viewing their lives as cheap, while failing to address violent gangs and organized crime.

However, police released footage showing Muhaimid exiting his vehicle and attempting to attack an officer. According to the police, the officer felt his life was in danger and fired his weapon in response. The incident began when officers pursued a suspicious vehicle that was endangering pedestrians. During the arrest attempt, Muhaimid reportedly emerged from the car and attacked an officer, prompting the officer to shoot him in perceived self-defense.