A Palestinian resident of Bethlehem was arrested this morning (Tuesday) after allegedly breaking into a police checkpoint at the Hashmonaim crossing, near the ultra-Orthodox city of Modiin Illit, damaging vehicles and attempting to run over police officers who were at the scene.
According to the police, the forces were preparing to stop a stolen vehicle that made its way to the crossing on Highway 446. The suspect, who noticed the police, tried to escape, breaking through the police checkpoint, damaging police vehicles and even trying to run over police officers at the scene.
The security police officers at the checkpoint felt their lives were in danger and fired shots at the vehicle, causing it to stop.
The suspect was injured and received medical treatment at the scene.
Hashmonaim Crossing was blocked to vehicle traffic in both directions for a little over an hour and then opened.
The police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir responded: “I fully support the police officers who shot at the suspect, a Bethlehem resident, who tried to run them over. Police officers are not targets, and anyone who chooses to break through a police checkpoint, damage vehicles, and try to run over police officers cannot expect the police to stand by. My policy is clear: A police officer who recognizes a threat to life and acts to protect himself and his colleagues will receive full support from me. This is how police officers are expected to act, and this is how they acted in this case. Anyone who endangers the lives of police officers will endanger their own lives."
