Two Years On, Israeli Police Honor Officers Slain in West Bank Attack

Police in the Judea and Samaria (Shai) district held a moment of silence Tuesday to commemorate the two-year anniversary of a deadly attack near Tarqumiya, in the Hebron region, where three officers were killed. The officers, Commander Arik Ben Eliyahu, Sergeant Major (Ranag) Hadas Berantz, and Sergeant First Class (Resam) Roni Shokuri, were traveling in a police vehicle on their way to duty when a passing car, driven by the terrorist Muhand al-Asa'ida, opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

Shai District Commander Major General Moshe Finchi spoke at the memorial event, emphasizing that the fallen officers are an integral part of the district's family and legacy. "Two years have passed since that terrible morning, but for us, Roni, Hadas, and Arik are not a memory from the past, they are an inseparable part of the Shai district family and our heritage," he stated. He added that the officers "paid the ultimate price" for their commitment to protecting the public.

Finchi also highlighted the establishment of the Ro'eh unit in the past year, named in memory of the three officers, as a "true commemoration of continuity." He pledged that the district would continue their mission with determination and dedication.

Notably, Roni Shokuri's daughter, Mor, was killed on October 7th, approximately 11 months before his own death. Mor, who served at the Sderot police station, died defending the station alongside eight colleagues. Despite this profound personal tragedy, Roni Shokuri reportedly insisted on continuing his service in Hebron and was the first to arrive at work each morning.

Following the attack, Israeli forces searched for the terrorist, who was later killed. His home in the village of Idna was also raided for mapping and demolition.