Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency arrested a Palestinian man suspected of setting a vehicle on fire and attempting a stabbing attack at Hanina's Farm, near Geva Binyamin in the West Bank. A joint statement from the two agencies outlined the allegations and the investigation that followed.
The incident took place on October 5. According to the investigation, the suspect, a man in his 30s from the Palestinian village of Rammun, approached the area near the farm carrying a gas lighter and a knife. Investigators described the knife as having a blade approximately 10 centimeters long.
Authorities allege that the man set fire to a vehicle and then threatened people living at the farm with the knife. Residents spotted him, subdued him and contacted police. The suspect suffered minor injuries during the confrontation with residents and was subsequently taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment.
Officers assigned to the Binyamin Police Station went to the scene, along with forensic investigators from the police's Judea and Samaria District. They gathered evidence and seized a knife and lighter that authorities believe were used during the incident. The items were collected as part of the investigation into the fire and alleged attempted attack.
Responsibility for the inquiry was later transferred to the Central Unit of the Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District, known as Yam'ar. That unit conducted the investigation together with the Shin Bet, according to the agencies' joint account of the case.
The statement said the suspect acknowledged during questioning that he had intended to carry out a stabbing attack. In the account attributed to him by the agencies, he said he had burned a vehicle near a tent belonging to Jewish settlers while also planning to stab a settler.
The suspect remained in detention as investigators continued their work, with the court extending his custody on several occasions. After the investigation concluded, prosecutors filed a statement against him on Wednesday, November 11, on suspicion of attempted murder and planning hostile military activity. They also asked that he be kept in custody pending further legal proceedings.
