Israeli Security Coordinator Indicted for Shooting Palestinian Woman
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Pinchas Shem Tov Ran, a security coordinator in Samaria, has been indicted for shooting a Palestinian woman and attempting to obstruct justice. He allegedly entered a Palestinian village outside his jurisdiction, fired at a vehicle that didn't stop, injuring a woman. Ran also reportedly searched for shell casings afterward and lied to investigators. His defense claims he acted in self-defense against a vehicle attempting to run him down. The indictment has sparked protests from other security coordinators.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Security coordinator Pinchas Shem Tov Ran indicted for shooting Palestinian woman.
- Ran allegedly entered unauthorized village and fired at car, injuring woman.
- Indictment includes charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice.
- Defense claims Ran acted in self-defense against a vehicle trying to ram him.
- Incident led to protests by other security coordinators in Samaria.
- Ran's brother was killed on October 7th.
Pinchas Shem Tov Ran, a security coordinator for the Gid'onim Ridge area in the Samaria region, has been indicted for aggravated assault and obstruction of justice. The indictment was filed after a gag order on the case was lifted.
According to the indictment, Ran entered the Palestinian village of Aqrab, which was outside his jurisdiction, without authorization. He conducted ID checks and then opened fire on a vehicle carrying a couple after the driver failed to stop when ordered. The investigation, a joint effort by the Judea and Samaria District's Central Unit and the Shin Bet, led to the arrest of Ran and a career soldier who was with him. The weapons and vehicle used in the incident were seized.
Prior to this incident, military officials had held several clarifying discussions with Ran regarding unusual events, warning him not to exceed his designated area of responsibility or deviate from open-fire regulations. Despite these warnings, Ran drove from his home near Itamar on September 18th, entered Aqrab, and ordered a Mazda vehicle to stop. When the driver, fearing harm and noting one occupant was masked, continued driving, Ran fired at least three shots at the retreating car, intending to hit its occupants. Two bullets struck the woman inside, one penetrating her chest and lodging near her heart. She underwent surgery and required several days of hospitalization.
The indictment further alleges that after the shooting, Ran and the soldier returned to the scene to search for shell casings, attempting to impede the judicial process. When questioned by security officials, Ran allegedly denied hearing about or being present at a shooting incident in the area, again with the intent to obstruct justice.
Ran's defense attorney, Nati Rom of the Honenu organization, stated that the prosecution's hand should have "trembled" when indicting a security coordinator who acted in self-defense against a vehicle attempting to run him down. He described Ran as a "hero of Israel" and called his detention in a Shin Bet facility a "shame and disgrace," vowing to fight for his acquittal.
Ran's younger brother, Major Or Yosef (Oroush) Ran, was killed on October 7th in the battle for Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The Ran family is well-known in the settlement movement, with their father noted for past activities in establishing outposts. Following Ran's arrest, other security coordinators in the Samaria Regional Council protested in Tel Aviv, and Ran's wife wrote to the Defense Minister regarding his detention conditions.
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