Israeli Police Officer Killed in Northern Israel Shootout

A 28-year-old Israeli police detective, Niv Peretz, was shot and killed during a police operation targeting an Arab arms trafficking cell in the Wadi Ara region near the village of Zalafa. The officer was part of a plainclothes unit pursuing suspects on ATVs who opened fire on police, leading to a gun battle. The incident occurred shortly after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited nearby Umm al-Fahm to promote enforcement against unlawful construction, a visit that sparked protests from local residents accusing him of neglecting violence in Arab communities. Police have deployed large forces to track down the suspects involved in the shooting amid ongoing concerns about organized crime and the illegal weapons trade in the area. The killing has intensified scrutiny of the police's role and the government's approach to law enforcement in northern Israel's Arab towns. Authorities continue their manhunt as tensions remain high in the region.