Israeli Court Upholds Release Conditions for West Bank Settler Uriah Cohen, Cites Security Context

The Lod District Court rejected the state’s appeal to tighten the release conditions of Uriah Cohen from the West Bank settlement of Tzafnat, maintaining the original terms except for shortening his driving license suspension. Judge Ron Solkin ruled that Cohen acted as a moderating influence during a violent incident in the Palestinian village of Hawara, which followed the disappearance of a sheep herd from Cohen’s farm overnight.

The court acknowledged the severity of livestock theft for farmers, noting the need for immediate action to recover stolen animals, especially as insurance no longer covers sheep and cattle. Judge Solkin emphasized the harsh security reality in Judea and Samaria, highlighting daily attacks, infiltration attempts, agricultural thefts, and threats settlers face, which often require heightened vigilance and firm responses that might seem excessive elsewhere.

Evidence showed Cohen prevented violence against a Palestinian resident, dispersed the crowd, and transported some individuals away from the scene. Security officials corroborated that settlers left when Cohen requested. The court also noted that occupants of a vehicle involved fled and did not cooperate with investigations, raising suspicions about their conduct.

Consequently, the court found no grounds to increase Cohen’s restrictions and partially granted his lawyers’ request to restore his driving license within 60 days if no extension is sought. Cohen’s attorney, Adi Kidar, praised the ruling, stressing its recognition of settlers as pioneers rather than criminals and urging law enforcement to heed the court’s findings.