Border Police officer killed by accidental IDF gunfire, investigation underway

Meanwhile, the IDF killed a terrorist who tried to throw explosive devices in the West Bank, authorities arrested a Palestinian for inciting pro-Hamas violence and the divided Gaza gained a new leader.

A Border Police officer was killed by a bullet fired from a weapon by an IDF soldier in an accidental incident on Sunday.

The circumstances are under investigation by Israeli police and military police.

The victim was later identified as 18-year-old police officer Uri Mektaev.

Initial investigations appear to show that Mektaev was fatally shot in the head while at his home in Azor.

The police were notified shortly afterwards. Magen David Adom paramedics attempted to perform CPR at the scene, but were forced to pronounce him dead.

Mektaev joined the Border Police in November and is the son of Ronen Mektaev, deputy chief commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Authority.

He is survived by his parents and two brothers, KAN News reported.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised Mektaev in a message on X/Twitter on Sunday evening.

“Uri, only 18 years old when he fell, chose to serve the state like his father on the front line of security action in the Border Police Training Brigade. There are no words that can comfort the parents and brothers and sisters who lost what was most precious to them before their time,” he wrote.

“On behalf of myself and the citizens of Israel, I extend my warm condolences to his father, his family and his friends. The Israeli police and border guards will continue to accompany you and cherish Uri’s memory forever,” he added.

Ben-Gvir, as part of his ministerial role, supervises the Israeli police, including the border police.

IDF kills terrorist who planned to throw explosive devices at soldiers in West Bank

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed that soldiers during an operation on Saturday evening had identified two terrorists who approached them while holding an explosive device.

Soldiers opened fire, killing one terrorist and arresting the other, the army confirmed.

Authorities arrest Palestinian near Hebron, inciting violence and support for Hamas

Meanwhile, security forces arrested a Palestinian man in his 20s near Hebron on suspicion of inciting terrorism.

The individual was found to have posted messages on social media in which he expressed support for Hamas and praised the terrorists. In one of his posts, he shared a video of the scene of a terrorist attack, accompanied by calls for violence.

The suspect was transferred for questioning.

Change of commander of the IDF Gaza division

Additionally, the IDF’s Gaza division held a handover ceremony for its commander on Sunday.

Brigadier-General. Liron Batito replaced Brigadier General Barak Hiram in this role.

The handover ceremony was led by the head of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, head of the IDF ground forces, Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan and other IDF officials.

During his speech, Asor praised Hiram’s time in the role over the past year and a half, the vast majority of which involved intense combat operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the Israel-Hamas war.

Liron Batito was previously commander of the Givati ​​military brigade.

Alon Hachmon and Walla contributed to this report.