Court Orders Release of Security Coordinator to House Arrest

The Jerusalem District Court ordered the transfer of Pinchas (Hassi) Ran, the security coordinator for Gid'onim Ridge in the Samaria region, to house arrest in the Golan Heights. The "Honenu" organization reported that Judge Elad Persky rejected the prosecution's claim of a risk of trial obstruction, stating that the possibility of Ran violating arrest conditions and committing a similar incident was "very low." Ran, a 37-year-old reservist commando, whose brother was killed and who is a father of three, was arrested following a shooting incident near the village of Akarba. He claims he fired into the air after a Palestinian vehicle attempted to run him and another soldier down. His lawyers, Nati Rom and Moshe Polsky from "Honenu," requested a substitute for detention. The judge noted the conflicting accounts and the lack of objective evidence regarding the incident. He gave weight to Ran's clean criminal record, despite his security role in a volatile area, and his extensive reserve duty, including rescues during combat. The judge also considered the difficult experiences Ran endured during the war and their impact on his ability to continue in detention. The court also addressed the nearly three-week delay by police in arresting Ran, despite his responsibility for numerous weapons. A police representative stated there was no concern Ran would commit another incident. Over 100 supporters, including fighters and lawmakers like MK Limor Son Har Melech, attended the hearing. Fighter Elisha Madan testified to Ran's role in saving his life. Judge Persky stated he did not agree with the state's position regarding the risk of trial obstruction, especially after the indictment was filed, and ordered Ran's transfer to house arrest even before a probation service report was received. Attorney Nati Rom praised the decision, asserting his client's self-defense narrative remained consistent, and criticized the prosecution's handling of the case, urging them to reconsider their approach. MK Son Har Melech called Ran a "hero of Israel" and pledged continued support until his acquittal.