Security Officer Arrested by Shin Bet After West Bank Shooting Incident

Pinchas (Hassi) Ran, a security officer for the Givot Itamar settlement and a veteran reservist, has been identified as the security figure arrested by the Shin Bet following a shooting incident near the Palestinian village of Akarba in the West Bank. The lifting of a gag order on Friday revealed Ran's identity, coinciding with the filing of an indictment against him. Ran claims the incident occurred while he and another officer were in a Ranger all-terrain vehicle as part of their duties. A car with no license plates allegedly approached them, appearing to attempt to run them over. Ran states he and the other officer jumped aside to avoid being hit. After escaping the danger, Ran asserts he fired into the air to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled into the village. Ran, who is represented by attorney Nati Rom of the Honenu organization, was subsequently arrested by the Shin Bet.

Ran is the brother of Major Or Yosef (Oroush) Ran, who was killed in action on October 7th while fighting terrorists and aiding in the evacuation of residents at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The Ran family has a strong military background, with all six sons serving as combat soldiers. Pinchas himself served as a combat soldier in the Paratroopers Brigade's 101st Battalion and has long served in the reserves for the 697th Battalion of the 551st Brigade. Since the start of the Swords of Iron War, he has accumulated over 600 days of reserve duty, participating in combat in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. He was recognized as an outstanding security officer in September by the commander of the Samaria Brigade and received commendations for his service with the undercover counter-terrorism unit in Judea and Samaria.

Since his arrest, senior officers and commanders who served with Ran have submitted letters of support to the court. Dr. Maj. Limon Adam, Deputy Commander of the 697th Battalion, described Ran as a model of professionalism, seriousness, personal responsibility, and humanity, noting that Ran refused to leave his unit after his brother's death. Retired Lt. Col. Tzach Echstein, former commander of the 697th Battalion, highlighted Ran's continued volunteer reserve service and repeated deployments to combat zones in Lebanon and Gaza, stating Ran consistently chose to bear the burden and volunteer beyond requirements. Retired Master Sgt. Amit Barak, the battalion's movement officer, described Ran's service in operational missions, including support for the Golani reconnaissance unit and the counter-terrorism unit in Judea and Samaria, concluding that he wishes for Ran to be by his side in any combat or complex situation, citing Ran's consistent composure, responsibility, and judgment.