Israeli police stopped a vehicle with Palestinian license plates near Beitar Illit after a chase, following reports of a female soldier with a weapon entering the car. A quick investigation revealed the soldier and the driver are in a relationship and she got in voluntarily. The weapon was confiscated, and both were arrested and transferred to an investigation, police said.
Israeli police have confirmed that the female IDF soldier who was seen entering a vehicle with Palestinian plates near Beitar Illit earlier today did so voluntarily, ending the initial kidnapping fears. The confirmation came hours after the incident, which unfolded at around 15:50 Jerusalem, when police received reports of an armed soldier potentially being abducted.
According to police, the vehicle was stopped after a chase on Route 375. The soldier was found unharmed, and a rapid investigation revealed she and the driver, a Palestinian man, were in a relationship. Her weapon was confiscated, and both were arrested and transferred to the Military Police for investigation. The case was initially reported as a suspected kidnapping, but within minutes, police clarified the voluntary nature of the encounter.
As The Zioneer reported at 16:49 Jerusalem, the initial interception found the soldier safe. The latest update from police formally states that the soldier entered the vehicle of her own accord.
The Military Police investigation is ongoing. No further details regarding charges or the status of the couple have been released.
4 developments
- StrongPolice detain several Israeli suspects after vehicle evades pursuit near Sha'ar Binyamin
- StrongPolice shoot Palestinian suspect who rammed officers with stolen car at Hashmonaim checkpoint
- DevelopingPolice, IDF arrest Hamas supporter in Jericho, seize M16 rifle and equipment
- DevelopingSecurity alert: suspect fled in Israeli-plated vehicle, public urged to stay vigilant
Source and signal
- Internal intake