Two Israelis critically wounded in Police shooting – Here's what we know
Incident occurs as settlers allegedly torch Palestinian homes; officer claims self-defense after pepper spray attack.
Two Israeli men were critically wounded late Monday after being shot by a police officer near the outpost of Ramat Gilad, as violence erupted in nearby Palestinian villages.
The men, both in their 20s, were rushed to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba - one in critical condition and the other in serious condition - following the shooting, according to Magen David Adom emergency services. Reports indicate the incident occurred after the masked men allegedly pepper-sprayed a Border Police officer, who responded with gunfire. The motive for attacking the officer remains unclear.
The shooting coincided with reports of settler attacks on the Palestinian villages of Jinsafut and al-Funduq, where homes and vehicles were reportedly set ablaze. IDF and Border Police forces were dispatched to disperse what military officials described as "violent rioting."
The IDF Spokesperson announced that senior military leadership conducted an immediate field investigation following last night's violent disturbances in Fundaq. The investigation team included Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blut, Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Yaki Dolf, Civil Administration Head Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, and Ephraim Brigade Commander Colonel Netanel Shamka.
According to initial findings, dozens of Israeli civilians, some masked, arrived in the Fundaq area within the Ephraim Brigade's jurisdiction during nighttime hours, where they set fire to property and caused damage. IDF and Israel Police forces responded to reports of the incident. The civilians then attacked security forces, throwing stones at them.
In response to these events, a joint investigation has been launched by the Police Internal Investigations Department and the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division.
Speaking from the scene, Central Command Chief Major General Avi Bluth stated: "Any violent disorder undermines security, and the IDF will not allow it."
After the incident, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel said, “On this difficult evening, that will still be thoroughly investigated, the obvious must also be said: In the State of Israel, buildings and vehicles are not set on fire, and pepper spray is not used against IDF forces.”
There are also unconfirmed reports that the policeman who opened fire acted out of control.
This incident follows a pattern of escalating violence in the region. Just one night earlier, similar attacks targeted three Palestinian villages, apparently in protest of Palestinian prisoner releases linked to the Israel-Hamas hostage deal. While two suspects were detained in Sunday's unrest, critics have accused Israeli authorities of lax enforcement against settler violence, pointing to minimal arrests and convictions.
The tension comes days after Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the release of seven Jewish Israelis held under administrative detention for alleged settler violence, linking their release to the broader prisoner exchange agreement signed in Qatar.
As reported by JNS, Hamas called on Palestinians to increase terror attacks on Israeli civilians and troops after the riots in al-Fundaq.
Jewish violence against Palestinians in Judea and Samaria dropped by 34% in 2024, according to new IDF data. The military recorded 663 incidents last year, compared to 1,005 in 2023. However, this decline comes amid thousands of recorded Palestinian attacks against Israelis throughout 2024, with many occurring in Judea and Samaria.
UPDATE:
The police officer who seriously wounded two Jewish civilians in Funduk has been questioned and released to house arrest, Israel's Police Internal Investigations Department (PIID) confirmed today (Tuesday). The officer was interrogated under caution for suspected illegal weapons discharge that left two Jewish men seriously wounded.
Following questioning, the officer was released to house arrest until Friday and barred from police facilities for eight days. He is prohibited from contacting anyone involved in the incident. The investigation continues.
JNS contributed to this article.