Security Officer Indicted for Shooting Palestinian Woman

Prosecutors have filed an indictment against security officer Pinchas Ran for allegedly opening fire on a vehicle in the Palestinian village of Aqrab, outside his designated area of responsibility, injuring an 18-year-old woman. Ran claims the vehicle endangered his life and that of another officer with him. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the Judea and Samaria District Police and the Shin Bet, which examined suspicions of violent conduct exceeding authority and operational boundaries.

According to the indictment, Ran entered the village of Aqrab in an all-terrain vehicle with a career soldier, conducted unauthorized ID checks, and fired his rifle at a car carrying a couple after the driver failed to stop. Two bullets struck the woman in her upper body, requiring hospitalization and surgery. Ran faces charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice, with prosecutors seeking his detention until the legal proceedings conclude.

Ran maintains that the incident began with an immediate life-threatening situation. He alleges that a car without license plates approached them at high speed, prompting him and the other officer to jump aside to avoid being run over. He claims he then fired a warning shot into the air to stop the vehicle, which then fled into the village. Ran asserts the shooting was a response to what he perceived as a genuine threat to his and the other officer's lives.

Supporting letters from Ran's commanders have been submitted to the court, detailing his extensive combat service and contributions to national security. His younger brother, Major Or Yosef Ran, was killed on October 7th fighting terrorists at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Ran himself has accumulated over 600 days of reserve duty since the start of the "Swords of Iron" war, participating in combat in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and has received commendations for his service, including being named an outstanding security officer in September.

Several former commanders and colleagues have provided letters attesting to Ran's professionalism, dedication, and combat experience, emphasizing his continued service even after his brother's death. They describe him as a courageous and responsible individual, requesting the court consider his service record and personal circumstances.