Israeli Border Police Officer Investigated for Throwing Stun Grenade into Vehicle in Qalandiya Refugee Camp

An Israeli Border Police officer was investigated by the Police Investigations Department on Monday after footage showed him throwing a stun grenade into a vehicle in the Qalandiya refugee camp north of Jerusalem. The video, released Sunday, captures the officer speaking briefly with the vehicle's driver before tossing the grenade inside. Following the grenade's deployment, the driver attempted to exit the vehicle but was blocked by the officer leaning against the door. Meanwhile, several passengers exited from the opposite side, prompting the officer to aim his rifle at them. The passengers then hid behind the vehicle's trunk, and the officer returned to his unit.

The officer has been suspended from operational duties pending the completion of the investigation. His lawyers, Argev Artzi and Nadav Grinold, stated that he acted under pressure in a hostile environment, noting that his unit had recently faced multiple planned ambushes involving stone-throwing, Molotov cocktails, and gunfire. They emphasized the officer's full cooperation during the investigation and expressed regret that decisions about frontline personnel are made by those not directly involved in such confrontations. The officer was released to return home after the inquiry.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions and security challenges faced by Israeli forces operating in Palestinian refugee camps, where confrontations frequently occur. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the use of force in this case.