Israeli Attacked by Palestinian Police in West Bank’s Area C Denounces False Police Claims
Shlomo Rozental, an Israeli who was assaulted by Palestinian police officers in Area C of the West Bank, recounted the incident in an interview with Channel 7. Rozental clarified that contrary to Palestinian police claims, he did not enter Area A but was traveling on a road entirely within Area C near Jerusalem. He described being stopped at the Bitonia junction by what he initially thought was an Israeli police vehicle, only to be confronted by Palestinian officers who blocked his car, forcibly opened his doors, and declared themselves as Palestinian police.
Rozental said he tried to understand their demands but was attacked when he could not comply, including being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and having his glasses broken. The officers confiscated his phone, car keys, and weapon, handcuffed him, and took him into their vehicle. He emphasized there was no crowd present during the attack, only the officers, who later drove him rapidly deep into Ramallah before bringing him to a police station. He was not detained there and eventually managed to contact Israeli authorities.
Upon reaching Israeli custody, Rozental was shocked to learn that Palestinian police had falsely reported to the Israeli military that he was rescued from a crowd in Area A, which was untrue. The Israeli military later confirmed he was in Area C. Rozental called on Israeli and Palestinian authorities to ensure safe travel on roads in Area C and demanded protection for this route used by many residents.
Through the legal aid organization Honenu, Rozental filed a complaint with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Central Command Chief Avi Blot, urging the arrest of the Palestinian officers involved. His lawyer, Chaim Bleicher, stressed the incident was a severe breach of Israeli sovereignty and security, highlighting the illegal armed incursion by Palestinian police into Area C and the attack on an Israeli citizen. The letter called for measures to prevent future incidents, including securing the road for free Jewish passage and preventing armed enemy forces from entering Israeli-controlled areas.
