Police Officers Injured in Clash with Settlers; Minister Ben-Gvir Accused of Ignoring Officers

Three police officers were injured on Thursday during a confrontation with settlers in Mitzpe Jericho, a settlement in the West Bank, while carrying out police operations. One officer, a Yassam (special patrol unit) fighter, sustained a broken nose, and another, a patrol officer, suffered a broken hand. During the incident, a detective vehicle's tires were also damaged with a knife. Despite the severity of the event, including the assault on officers and their injuries, no arrests have been made so far. The details of the incident have not been released by the police.

The incident began when a detective unit from the Judea and Samaria (Shai) district arrived in Mitzpe Jericho to arrest a suspect involved in an earlier assault. The suspect attempted to evade arrest by fleeing to an area where a memorial service was taking place. During the arrest attempt, a confrontation erupted between settlers attending the service and the police forces.

According to police sources, officers were attacked amidst the ensuing chaos, resulting in three injuries. Additionally, the attackers used a knife to slash the tires of a detective vehicle. Shortly after the clashes subsided, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene. According to the testimony of a police officer present, Ben-Gvir behaved aggressively and provocatively, demonstratively ignoring the police force and addressing the crowd instead. The officer also reported hearing shouts of "You are Nazis" directed at the officers.

A senior source in the Shai district heavily criticized the minister's conduct, stating, "Ben-Gvir ignored the officers, walked as if he owned the place to get credit from his audience." This source also claimed that individuals present threatened the officers, saying, "You will lose your jobs."

Ben-Gvir, however, denies these allegations, asserting he merely happened upon the scene while attending the memorial service and was on the periphery of the confrontation. The police stated that the Shai district is conducting an operational review and an investigation into the incident, and will continue to act professionally to maintain public order and bring all involved parties to justice.