A Palestinian from Bethlehem stole a car, drove through the Hashmonaim crossing on Route 446, breached a police barrier, rammed police vehicles, and attempted to run over officers before being shot and arrested, according to police. The suspect is in serious-to-critical condition; the crossing remains closed to traffic as the investigation continues.
Just before 08:30 Tuesday morning, a Palestinian suspect from Bethlehem driving a stolen car breached the Hashmonaim crossing on Route 446, rammed police vehicles, and attempted to run over officers, according to police. Officers opened fire and arrested him; his condition is reported as serious to critical. The crossing remains closed in both directions for investigation.
The Zioneer's thread on this incident began at 08:34 Jerusalem with an initial report of a checkpoint closure after a car theft suspect allegedly tried to run over police. Moments later, at 08:33 Jerusalem, three versions published in quick succession: first confirming police fired and a suspect was shot and receiving treatment; then that the incident was classified as criminal, not a terror attack; then that the suspect, from Bethlehem, had been arrested after driving a stolen car through the barrier and ramming police cars. The current version adds the suspect's identity as a Bethlehem resident, the vehicle theft, and the attempted vehicular assault on officers—elements not present in the earliest reports. Source credibility progressed from Israeli media reports to a confirmed police statement.
As The Zioneer reported earlier this month, vehicular attacks and attempted attacks have been documented in the region, including a recorded attempted vehicular attack on Jews in Samaria on June 10 and a suspected deliberate hit-and-run at the Geha Interchange on June 11. Saturday night, police confirmed a shooting of a Palestinian at an Israeli farm in Binyamin after he allegedly approached with a rock. These incidents form part of a broader pattern of vehicular and stone-related violence in the area.
No officer injuries have been reported. The investigation is ongoing; no official update on the suspect's condition or any potential charges has been released since the initial police statement.
6 developments
- DevelopingJerusalem Police Arrest Armed Palestinian Suspect Near Damascus Gate
- DevelopingSecurity forces arrest Palestinians disguised as Jews at Maccabim Crossing
- StrongPolice confirm shooting of Palestinian at Israeli farm in Binyamin
- DevelopingPolice arrest suspect in Tulkarm for car theft and reckless driving
Source and signal
- Internal intake