Israeli Security Coordinator Charged With Shooting Palestinian Woman
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
An indictment was filed against Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, a security coordinator from Itamar, for shooting at a Palestinian vehicle in the village of Aqrab, severely injuring an 18-year-old woman. He is also accused of attempting to conceal evidence by collecting shell casings and denying his involvement. The prosecution seeks his detention until the end of legal proceedings. The investigation was conducted jointly by the IDF and the Shin Bet.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, Itamar security coordinator, indicted for shooting a Palestinian woman.
- Ran allegedly fired at a vehicle in Aqrab, severely wounding an 18-year-old woman.
- He is accused of attempting to obstruct justice by collecting shell casings and lying.
- The prosecution seeks his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
- The investigation involved the IDF and the Shin Bet.
The State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment Friday against Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, 37, a resident of the settlement of Itamar who serves as the security coordinator for Gideonim Ridge. He is accused of firing at a vehicle in the Palestinian village of Aqrab, severely wounding a young woman inside. The prosecution is seeking his detention until the legal proceedings are concluded.
According to the indictment, Ran had been repeatedly warned by military officials to stay within his designated area of responsibility and adhere to procedures, particularly rules of engagement. Despite these warnings, last September he entered the village of Aqrab, which is outside his jurisdiction, driving an all-terrain vehicle and accompanied by a career soldier. While there, he stopped several passersby and checked their identity cards without authorization.
Ran then noticed a vehicle carrying a couple and ordered the driver to stop. The indictment alleges the driver, realizing they were not soldiers and that one of the occupants of Ran's vehicle was masked, feared an attack and accelerated away. In response, Ran allegedly drew his weapon and fired at least three shots at the departing vehicle, aiming to hit it and its occupants. Two bullets struck the car and the woman sitting next to the driver.
The young woman, approximately 18 years old, sustained severe injuries, with one bullet penetrating her lung and lodging near her heart. She was evacuated to the hospital, underwent surgery to remove the bullets, and was hospitalized for several days. The indictment further claims that after the shooting, Ran returned to the scene and collected the shell casings to obstruct the legal process. Later, when questioned by security forces about the incident, he denied any knowledge or presence at the scene.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Central Unit of the Judea and Samaria District and the General Security Service (Shin Bet). In October, two security personnel from the region were arrested on suspicion of involvement. During searches, their weapons and the vehicle suspected of being used in the offense were seized. The indictment charges Ran with aggravated assault and obstruction of justice, and the prosecution is requesting he be held in custody pending trial.
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