Police Say Security Coordinator Protected Hikers in Hebron-Area Stone Attack

Israel Police said its initial investigation found that Palestinian rioters threw stones in Area B and endangered Haredi hikers in the southern Hebron area. Investigators said the security coordinator acted against that danger, protected the group and prevented further harm, while the hikers did not provoke the confrontation. Police identified the Israelis involved and said the incident was not extremist violence, though the hike lacked required IDF authorization or coordination. The military will examine the unauthorized entry, while police continue identifying and investigating the Palestinian attackers. Earlier official accounts said the coordinator fired warning shots before shooting at rioters.