Palestinian Authority Police Detain Israeli Reservist and Seize Weapon in West Bank's Area C

Palestinian Authority police operated illegally last night on the bypass road near Beitunia in Area C of the West Bank, where they detained an Israeli reservist soldier traveling to the Gush Dolav-Talmonim bloc and confiscated his military weapon. The soldier was unharmed during the incident. The Benjamin Regional Council strongly condemned the Civil Administration's response, which blamed the Israeli resident for traveling in a dangerous area rather than addressing the unauthorized actions of the Palestinian police in Area C.

Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, criticized the event as evidence that the Oslo Accords have become meaningless. He stated that it is unacceptable for Palestinian Authority police to operate contrary to agreements in Area C, arrest an Israeli reservist, and seize his weapon while Israel blames the Israeli traveler. Gantz called for recognition of the current reality, the cancellation of the Oslo Accords, and the promotion of settlement and free movement throughout Benjamin, Judea, and Samaria. He also urged decision-makers to immediately open a secure and safe route between Gush Dolav-Talmonim and Highway 443.