Israeli Border Police Arrest Two Suspects for Vandalizing IDF Soldier Memorial in Retamim

Israeli Border Police forces arrested two suspects involved in vandalizing a memorial dedicated to fallen IDF soldier Yehuda Peretz in the settlement of Retamim. The operation took place on Monday night in the southern West Bank area of Bir al-Daqaj, following a thorough investigation led by the Shabak (Israel Security Agency), detectives, and investigators from the Segev Shalom police station in the Rotem region, with aerial support from the Israeli police.

The memorial was defaced last month, prompting an intensive probe to identify and locate the perpetrators. Once the investigation reached a conclusive stage, Border Police units from the southern district conducted a coordinated, covert raid on two separate locations simultaneously, surprising and arresting both suspects. The arrests were made with weapons drawn, as shown in police footage capturing one suspect attempting to flee.

The suspects were transferred to the Segev Shalom police station for further questioning. The police emphasized the swift and coordinated response to the vandalism of a site honoring an IDF soldier, underscoring the commitment to protecting memorials and maintaining security in the area.