Warning: The graphic video presented shows the suspects shooting animals. Viewer discretion is advised.
Three Palestinians from the Bethlehem area were arrested on suspicion of fatally shooting animals and documenting the acts on video, the police reported Monday. The suspects are also accused of possessing illegal firearms.
According to police, the investigation was launched about two months ago after receiving intelligence about a Bethlehem resident suspected of illegally possessing a firearm. During a raid by police detectives and IDF troops, officers found a pistol and seized the suspect’s mobile phone, which allegedly contained videos of the violent acts.
Footage of the shootings found on the suspects' phone
(Video: Israel Police)
One of the videos reportedly shows a suspect standing beside a horse, petting it and then shooting it in the head at point-blank range. Another video shows a pig being shot in a yard. Additional footage reportedly shows the suspects shooting other pigs and animals.
Police said the findings led to the launch of an expanded investigation into the incidents. Last week, two more suspects were arrested during another operation in Bethlehem. They’re also accused of illegal weapons possession and animal abuse. All three suspects remain in custody, and prosecutors are expected to file indictments soon.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
The Israel Police’s West Bank District commander Moshe Pinchi condemned the acts: “This is a shocking case of extreme cruelty and abuse of animals. The district will work to ensure the suspects receive the maximum punishment.
“While we continue our relentless fight against illegal weapons and terror in Judea and Samaria, we will not allow brutal violence against animals — not with firearms and not in any form.”
“The Israeli police take a severe view of this unimaginable abuse of animals and the possession of weapons, particularly when the acts involve such ruthless cruelty,” the police added in a statement. “We will continue to act decisively and with all available means against these serious crimes.”