IDF deploys reinforcement of West Bank troops after death of teenage shepherd
Tensions rise in the West Bank after the murder of 14-year-old Binyamin Achimair. Violent clashes erupt as his body is discovered, sparking concerns of escalating violence.
Following the murder of 14-year-old Binyamin Achimair, armed forces were deployed through the West Bank in response to what has broken out into a night of chaos and suspected violence in the West Bank, Israeli media reported on Saturday night.
After news of the discovery of Achimair's body, violent clashes and car fires were reported in the village of Duma and Al-Mughayyir.
Palestinians reported one dead by settler gunfire in Al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. According to another report, settlers attacked a photographer from YNet near the village of Duma, broke his hand, and burned his equipment. There were also reports of shooting at a Palestinian car.
In Al-Mughayyir, Jihad Abu Alia, who was shot dead yesterday during disturbances between residents and Israelis following the disappearance of the boy, was brought for burial. The mourners called for support for Hamas and Ismail Haniyeh.
According to reports, throughout Saturday, calls have been made on Arab social networks to mobilize and protect villages from "mass attacks by settlers." The Red Crescent reports 16 Palestinians injured and in need of medical treatment.
An IDF spokesperson issued a statement saying: "In recent hours, clashes have erupted between Israeli citizens and Palestinians in several locations in Judea and Samaria, during which they threw stones and fired. Dozens of Israelis and Palestinians were injured in various ways. Numerous IDF and Border Police forces were deployed in various areas and used means to disperse demonstrations.
In addition to the forces deployed in the field, it was decided to reinforce several IDF battalions and additional Border Police forces. Security forces continue to pursue the terrorists who murdered Binyamin Achimair."
Finding the body
On Friday, Achimair, 14, left a farm at Mlachi Hashalom in the Binyamin Regional Brigade. A few hours later, the shepherd returned to the farm without the boy, rising concerns for his fate. The information was passed on to the police and the IDF, who began extensive searches. In the afternoon, violent disturbances developed in which Israelis arrived in the area near Al-Mughayyir, set cars on fire, threw stones, and fled.Around midday Saturday, a combat collection team located the boy's body using a drone within the farm's premises, perpetrated by terrorists.
Israel Police have begun an investigation, having already collected details from the scene with a forensic team along with the Shin Bet. At this stage, the assessment is that a terrorist ambushed the boy while he was grazing in the open area and surprised him at close range. The treatment was transferred to the intelligence sphere.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant wrote in X: "I am saddened by the death of the boy Binyamin Achimair, who was murdered in cold blood by a despicable terrorist. The security system will reach the murderer and deal with him according to the law, as we have done with every terrorist and murderer. I appeal to the public, let the security forces act quickly in pursuit of the terrorists - retaliatory actions will only exacerbate our fighters in their mission - it is forbidden to take the law into your own hands."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote an offcial statement, saying "The heinous murder of the boy Binyamin Achimair, is a serious crime. I send condolences from the bottom of my heart to his family." He further added that the IDf and Shin Bet are investigating the incident, and that they are conducting intelligence and operational activities in the region and villages. Netanyahu urges Israeli citizens "to allow the secuty forces to do their work with interference."
