PA Security Services Officer Attacks Israeli Forces

Latest Developments

A Palestinian Authority (PA) security services officer wounded three Israeli soldiers on Saturday night after ramming a car into them near the West Bank village of Beit Ummar. Other soldiers promptly shot dead the assailant, Mohammed Baradiyah. Israeli forces were operating to secure roads from rock throwers and other threats when Baradiyah targeted them.

The incident adds to the growing number of attacks against Israeli security forces carried out by PA security forces since the uptick in West Bank violence began in June 2021. On January 26, the PA ceased security cooperation with Israel after an Israeli military operation in Jenin resulted in the deaths of Palestinian militants and civilians. “Security coordination with the occupation government no longer exists as of now,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Rudeineh at the time.

Expert Analysis

“Since June 2021, the number of attacks by members of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces have risen compared to recent years. It’s time the Palestinian Authority recognize that there is a problem within the ranks of its security services. Additional acts of violence by its officers will further erode an already fragile security relationship with their Israeli counterparts.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

PA Officers Attack Israeli Forces

In September 2022, Ahmed Abed, an intelligence officer in the PA security services, and one other gunman opened fire on Israeli troops surveilling them in the Palestinian village of al-Jalama, killing Bar Falah, the deputy commander of Israel’s elite Nahal reconnaissance unit. Almost two months earlier, PA security services officer Khaled Hajeer opened fire at Israeli forces near Nablus. An Israeli hospital treated Hajeer after he sustained injuries during a shootout with the Israeli troops.

Palestinians and Israelis Make Peace Commitments

On March 19, Israeli and Palestinian officials met in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss the ongoing tensions in the West Bank and Israel. According to a communique released by Jordan’s foreign ministry, both sides agreed to deescalate tensions on the ground and establish a mechanism to reduce violence, incitement, and inflammatory statements. Israelis and Palestinians expect to resume a third round of talks this month.

Related Analysis

“Mapping Terrorism in the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman

“Israel and Palestinians Make Peace Commitments in Sharm el-Sheikh,” FDD Flash Brief