A local Bedouin resident of el-Chiran was shot dead on January 18, 2017 in a vehicular ramming attack that also claimed the life of policeman Staff-Sgt. Erez Levi HY”D. There was much controversy following the attack, leading to a major investigation as the Bedouin community insisted the dead man was not a terrorist and he was shot down in cold blood.

When police arrived on the scene, they were targeted with live gunfire. Police responded with rubber-coated bullets and smoke grenades.

The vehicle believed to be a terrorist came at police, who were standing by to provide protection as demolition orders were carried out in the Negev Bedouin community. Despite the insistence by Bedouin residents and leaders, including representatives in Knesset, police stated they firmly believe the incident was an attempted ramming attack that left Levi dead and a second officer injured.

State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan announced on Tuesday, 16 Iyar, that a final determination in the case cannot be made. It will remain a matter of dispute if it was an attack or not. That being the case, Nitzan announced no criminal charges are being to be filed against the police personnel involved. The prosecution is closing the case.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)