Head of Israeli domestic intelligence clashes with far-right Minister Ben-Gvir over ‘Jewish terror’ in West Bank
Israeli media outlet Channel 12 reports that the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, has sent a letter to Netanyahu accusing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other members of his coalition government of directly and indirectly encouraging attacks by ultranationalist Jews on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Bar warned that recent attacks, such as on the village of Jit on Friday that killed one Palestinian, has left the country on the brink of disaster.
The Shin Bet director used the term “Jewish terror” in his letter, referring to the phenomenon of attacks being carried out openly by large groups. Ben-Gvir is reported to have reacted angrily to the letter, demanding during a meeting that Bar be dismissed before leaving angrily.
The minister is a former follower of the far-right ideologue Meir Kahane and has a history of supporting the supremacy of Jewish people over Palestinians.
PA security forces detain former Palestinian prisoner: Reports
Palestinian media outlets have reported that Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces have detained Ayham Aqel in Nablus. Aqel was previously a prisoner held by Israel. It’s unclear why he has been detained by the PA.
Israel’s Channel 12 had previously reported that PA security forces have been carrying out a campaign to remove explosive devices planted by Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank over the past few days, destroying 15 in Jenin alone.
As part of the Oslo Accords agreed between Israel and the Palestinians in the 1990s, the PA participates in “security coordination” with the Israelis, which involves arresting Palestinians considered to be security threats. The PA is heavily criticised by many Palestinians for this cooperation with Israel.
Israeli troops storm area near occupied East Jerusalem
We are getting reports from our Al Jazeera Arabic colleagues that Israeli troops have stormed the Kafr Aqab neighbourhood located just north of the occupied East Jerusalem.
Several military vehicles were seen entering the area.
The latest operation came shortly after the Israeli military wrapped up a 14-hour raid in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, during which three Palestinians were killed in a drone strike.
