Israel Arrests 10 Suspects in Violence Probe, Including Attack on Journalist

By ישראל זאב לוונטהל לוונטהל

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Israeli police and the Shin Bet arrested ten suspects in the Benjamin region on Monday in connection with weekend violence, including an attack on a Washington Post journalist and alleged assaults on foreign diplomats. The operation, named "Olive Branch," also led to the seizure of evidence and vehicles. The arrests stem from incidents including clashes near Khirbet Abu Falah and an attack on diplomats near Taybeh. The Prime Minister's Office called for caution and evidence before drawing conclusions, while police vowed equitable enforcement.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Ten suspects were arrested in the Benjamin region for alleged violent incidents, including attacking a journalist and diplomats.
The operation, named "Olive Branch," involved police, Shin Bet, and IDF forces.
The arrests are linked to a weekend assault on a Washington Post journalist and an alleged attack on foreign diplomats.
Evidence was seized, and vehicles were confiscated during the operation.
The Prime Minister's Office urged caution and stressed the need for convincing evidence.
Police vowed to enforce the law equally for all residents in the region.

Israel Arrests 10 Suspects in Violence Probe, Including Attack on Journalist — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israeli police and the Shin Bet arrested ten suspects early Monday in the Benjamin region as part of an operation dubbed "Olive Branch." The arrests are linked to violent incidents over the weekend, including the assault of a Washington Post journalist and an alleged attack on foreign diplomats. Police stated the suspects are also being investigated for additional offenses such as violating military closure orders and illegal construction.

The operation involved officers from the Judea and Samaria District, riot police, border police, and IDF forces, with aerial support. Forces entered multiple locations in Benjamin, reportedly seizing evidence connecting suspects to the alleged crimes and confiscating vehicles. The detainees were taken for questioning, and police indicated they would be brought before a court based on the investigation's findings.

The investigation was prompted by several weekend events. On Friday, the IDF reported a violent confrontation near the village of Khirbet Abu Falah, where a journalist was injured. Forces used crowd dispersal methods to break up the clash. In a separate incident, soldiers fired into the air and later at a suspect who approached them with a sharp object and posed a threat.

On Saturday, the IDF announced an attack on diplomatic representatives near the village of Taybeh by Israelis, condemning the incident. Police are treating this as a suspected attack under investigation. Initial IDF inquiries suggest no forces were present at the time of the attack, and the consulate's patrol was not coordinated with the military. The Prime Minister's Office urged caution, stating that violence against diplomats is unacceptable but requires convincing evidence. They also warned against collective accusations and potential defamation campaigns.

Judea and Samaria District Commander Pinchy stated that investigators are gathering evidence to prosecute those involved. Police Inspector General Dani Levy emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone in the region and that the police are committed to equitable enforcement based on evidence. He also distinguished between preventing incidents and investigating them after they occur. The Honenu organization confirmed the arrests of about ten residents and stated its legal team is providing initial assistance, noting that the specific charges against the detainees are not yet clear.