Area C

IDF forces arrested three Palestinian police officers who set up an unauthorized checkpoint in Area C near Bitunia last month, detaining and assaulting an Israeli reserve soldier.

Palestinian police officers set up a checkpoint in an area where they are prohibited from operating independently and arrested the soldier on their own initiative. The soldier was driving on the 'Ma'azim Road' — a dangerous route where travel is supposed to be coordinated with the IDF.

MK Zvi Sukkot arrived at the scene of the incident in western Binyamin, where Palestinian police officers detained a reservist and seized his weapon. Sukkot demanded the arrest of those involved and the establishment of a secure route between the Dolev-Talmonim bloc and Highway 443.

The soldier was arrested last night on the Beitunia bypass road on his way to the Dolev-Talmonim bloc. The Binyamin Council criticized the Civil Administration: "Instead of blaming the PA police, they blame the Israeli." The IDF response will be provided when received.