Itamar Security Coordinator Charged Over Shooting of Palestinian Woman

The Jerusalem District Court received a serious legal filing on Friday morning concerning the conduct of a regional security coordinator operating in the Samaria region. Pinchas Ram, a 37-year-old resident of the settlement of Itamar, faces multiple criminal charges, including aggravated battery and attempts to obstruct the judicial process. The indictment was prepared by senior deputy attorney Shay Etzion following an intensive joint investigation conducted by the Judea and Samaria District Police's central unit alongside the Shin Bet internal security agency. A previously imposed gag order on the details of the investigation was lifted simultaneously with the formal submission of the charges.

According to the official court documents, Ran holds official responsibility for safeguarding regional communities and surrounding agricultural outposts. In the line of duty, he is authorized to carry an Arad assault rifle and operate an all-terrain utility vehicle. Investigators noted that military authorities had previously held clarifying discussions with Ran regarding earlier behavioral infractions, during which he was explicitly warned not to exceed his designated operational boundaries and to strictly adhere to established security protocols.

The events in question unfolded on September 18, when Ran departed from his residence accompanied by an active-duty soldier stationed in the area. Rather than proceeding directly to their intended destination at the Damski farm, the two individuals drove into the Palestinian village of Aqraba, which falls outside Ran's designated area of jurisdiction. Inside the village, they reportedly detained several random pedestrians and demanded identification documents without possessing any legal authority or operational justification to do so.

At that same time, a couple was traveling through the village in a Mazda vehicle. Ran spotted the automobile and ordered the driver to halt. Recognizing that one of the occupants wore a face covering and realizing they were not regular military personnel, the driver feared for his safety and chose to drive away. In response, Ran drew his firearm and discharged at least three rounds toward the retreating vehicle. Two bullets struck the car, penetrating the rear section and hitting an 18-year-old female passenger. One projectile pierced her chest and lodged near her lung, requiring emergency hospitalization and surgery.

Following the shooting, the indictment alleges that Ran and his companion continued to their original destination before returning to the scene of the crime on their way back. Ran allegedly exited the utility vehicle to search for spent casings in an effort to destroy evidence and hinder future investigations. Furthermore, when questioned by security officials shortly afterward, he denied any knowledge of a shooting incident.

Law enforcement and security agencies emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful violence and unauthorized actions by security personnel. Conversely, legal counsel representing Ran through the Honenu organization presented a contrasting account. They argue that the security coordinator faced a life-threatening situation when an unplated vehicle sped toward them in an apparent ramming attack, prompting him to fire warning shots after escaping harm. The defense has also highlighted Ran's extensive military record and commendations from commanding officers as character references during the ongoing legal proceedings.