Collision Involving Minister's Security Detail Results in Palestinian Teen's Death

On Tuesday morning, a 16-year-old Palestinian boy, Mohammad Majdi al-Ja’abari, was killed in a collision with a vehicle reportedly associated with the security detail of an Israeli cabinet minister near Hebron. The incident occurred while al-Ja’abari was riding an electric bicycle, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the vehicle's ownership have led to conflicting reports regarding which minister was involved.

Times of Israel

Initial reports from the Maariv daily suggested that the vehicle belonged to the security convoy of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. However, Haaretz cited a security source indicating that the vehicle was actually en route to protect Settlements and National Missions Minister Orit Strock. Both ministers have residences in the Hebron area, with Ben Gvir living in the Kiryat Arba settlement and Strock residing in Hebron.

Times of Israel

In response to the incident, Ben Gvir's office issued a statement asserting that the vehicle involved was not his and that he was not present at the scene. The statement further claimed that al-Ja’abari "burst into the road at a red light," and emphasized that the security guard driving the vehicle attempted to avoid the collision, sustaining injuries in the process and currently receiving medical treatment.

Times of Israel

Itamar Ben Gvir has a history of traffic violations, with reports indicating nearly 80 infractions, including speeding and using a mobile phone while driving. In 2024, he and his daughter were lightly injured in a separate incident where his vehicle flipped after he allegedly ran a red light. His driver was convicted of reckless driving related to that incident, which resulted in serious injuries to another driver.

Times of Israel

The incident has sparked outrage among Palestinian communities and human rights advocates, who view the collision as part of a broader pattern of violence and disregard for Palestinian lives by Israeli authorities. Critics argue that the presence of security vehicles in civilian areas poses significant risks to pedestrians, particularly in regions with heightened tensions.

Times of Israel

Israeli police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. The outcome of this investigation may have implications for public perceptions of ministerial accountability and the treatment of Palestinian citizens in similar incidents.

Times of Israel

• “vehicle is not the minister’s and the minister was not at the scene.” — Itamar Ben Gvir’s office

Times of Israel

• “As for the incident itself: The Arab minor burst into the road at a red light, and the security guard did all he could to avoid an accident and was even injured himself and at the moment is being treated at a hospital,” — Itamar Ben Gvir’s office

Times of Israel