Settler Security Chief Charged With Shooting Palestinian Woman

The State Prosecutor's Office on Friday filed an indictment against Pinhas Shem Tov Ran, the security coordinator of the Itamar settlement, for shooting at a vehicle in the village of Aqraba, severely injuring a woman inside. He is also accused of returning to the scene after the shooting to search for shell casings in an attempt to obstruct justice. According to the indictment, Ran, 37, had been repeatedly warned by the army not to exceed his jurisdiction and to adhere to open-fire regulations. Despite these warnings, the prosecutor's office stated, Ran entered Aqraba in September, a village outside his area of responsibility, driving an all-terrain vehicle accompanied by a career soldier. The prosecution is requesting his detention until the legal proceedings conclude. The indictment alleges that Ran stopped several passersby in the village and checked their identity cards without legal authority. He then noticed a vehicle carrying a couple and ordered the driver to stop. The driver, realizing the occupants were not soldiers and that one was masked, feared violence and accelerated away. In response, Ran drew his weapon and fired at least three shots at the fleeing vehicle, intending to hit it and its occupants. Two bullets struck the car and the woman sitting next to the driver, according to the statement.