Security Forces Arrest Eight Suspects in Binyamin Sweep
Security forces launched an arrest operation in the Binyamin region following weekend violence, detaining eight suspects after the assault of a photojournalist.
Security forces launched a coordinated arrest operation early Monday in the Binyamin region following weekend violence, including the assault of Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine and suspected attacks on foreign diplomats. Eight suspects have been detained and several vehicles confiscated during the joint operation by the Judea and Samaria Police District, the Shin Bet, Border Police, and the IDF.
Operation Olive Branch and Law Enforcement
Codenamed Operation "Olive Branch", the sweep follows extensive evidence collection after weekend clashes near Khirbet Abu Falah and incidents in the Ramallah area. The detained suspects were transferred for interrogation to the Judea and Samaria Central Unit and Samaria Regional stations. Concurrently, the IDF and Border Police are enforcing orders against illegal construction, military decree violations, and intrusions into Palestinian property.
"They promised to increase the authority and capabilities of the Border Police and police so they could handle rioters better," said a senior settlement official. "Nothing has progressed, and the situation is only getting worse."
Inter-Agency Friction and Settlement Frustration
The operation underscores ongoing friction between security bodies. The military has criticized police for failing to enforce laws and detain dozens of Jewish rioters, while police counter that officers cannot enter Area A and B without military escorts and that soldiers often fail to detain suspects in real-time, allowing evidence destruction.
Meanwhile, settlement leaders expressed profound frustration over the transfer of security powers from the military to police, demanding immediate and decisive action against ongoing violence.
