Police watchdog opens probe into Border Police stun grenade video from Qalandia

The Israeli Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash) has opened an investigation into the unusual footage from Qalandia refugee camp, in which a Border Police officer throws a stun grenade into a vehicle and prevents the driver from exiting, according to Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio).

The Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash) announced Monday morning it is opening an investigation into the unusual video recorded Sunday at the Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, according to Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio). The footage, first reported by The Zioneer at 07:46 Jerusalem, appears to show a Border Police officer throwing a stun grenade into a vehicle occupied by passengers and preventing the driver from leaving before the explosion.

The Border Police responded: "The incident is not in accordance with regulations." The comment suggests the force acknowledges the breach of standard operating procedures. Machash — the civilian oversight body within the Justice Ministry — now has jurisdiction over the case.

The development comes a day after the footage was circulated by journalist Ganem Ibrahim, and as police leadership is already under pressure on the use of stun grenades: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said last month he discussed the matter with the police commissioner and was examining restrictions on stun grenade use or their removal from police entirely. The Qalandia incident is the first concrete case to trigger external investigation since those discussions. The investigation's scope — whether it covers commanding officers' orders or only the individual officer — has not yet been specified.

4 developments

1. 34 minutes ago · 09:22 · 6 JulLatest

   New footage shows officer throwing stun grenade into vehicle; driver remained inside.

2. 08:00 · 6 Jul

   Border Police officer suspended and under investigation by Machash.

3. 07:59 · 6 Jul

   Police Internal Investigations Department (Machash) has opened a formal probe.

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