Israeli Police Arrest 16-Year-Old for Attacking Palestinian Woman, Grandchild, and Family Dog in South Hebron Hills

After two months on the run, Israeli police arrested a 16-year-old Jewish resident of Judea who was filmed attacking Wadad Mahamra, her toddler grandchild, and the family dog in Khirbet al-Maraajem, Masafir Yatta, in the southern Hebron Hills. The attack, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, shows the teenager entering the family’s residential compound, pushing the victims, and striking the dog multiple times. The police launched an investigation immediately after the incident, working to identify and locate the suspect.

The suspect was apprehended today in a field in southern Israel and transferred to the interagency district command for questioning. Authorities stated he will be brought before the court to discuss extending his detention. The Israeli police emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward violence against people and animals, vowing to act decisively against perpetrators of such offenses.

Wadad Mahamra and her husband, Youssef, recounted the violent incident to ynet, describing how the youth entered their home and attacked them and their grandchild while the assault was recorded by their daughter-in-law. Both victims required medical treatment for their injuries. The couple explained that such attacks are frequent, occurring almost daily, and that the family dog is often targeted because it barks to warn of settlers’ presence.

Youssef highlighted the ongoing insecurity and tension in the area, noting that even the family’s animals are part of the daily stress. Wadad described the location as her ancestral home, emphasizing that despite the violence, they have nowhere else to go. The family expressed living in constant fear and tension, trying to maintain normal life amid the threats. Concurrently, reports indicate increased enforcement activities and demolition notices in the region.