The Lod District Court on Monday rejected a prosecution appeal against the release of a shepherd from a Samaria farm, with the judge writing that settlers face daily attacks, theft, and arson, and their actions must be judged in the context of the constant threat. The ruling criticized the prosecution for ignoring the reality of life in Judea and Samaria.
The Lod District Court on Monday rejected a prosecution appeal against the release of a shepherd from a farm in Samaria, in a case highlighting the security challenges faced by settlers in Judea and Samaria. The shepherd, identified as Uria Cohen, had his herd stolen and went to look for it in the Palestinian village of Hawara, leading to his arrest. The judge's remarks, as reported by Ariel Kahana (Israel Hayom), included a strong critique of the prosecution for ignoring the daily reality of attacks, theft, and arson that settlers endure. The judge wrote that settlers' actions must be judged in the context of this constant threat, not in 'laboratory conditions under air conditioning and neon lights.' While the identity of the presiding judge is disputed between reports—one source naming Ron Salkin and another Ron Nutkin—the substance of the ruling is consistent. The case has drawn attention to the legal treatment of settlers in the West Bank, who argue they face ongoing security threats.
2 developments
- DevelopingSamaria farmer released after two weeks in custody, judge criticizes police case
- DevelopingSamaria settler released after arrest in flock theft search; police will appeal
- DevelopingSister of detained Samaria farmer: He fired warning shot, reported it, was indicted — no Arab arrested
- DevelopingMinister Shikli: Settlement or October 7 — no middle ground in northern Samaria
Source and signal
- Internal intake