Israeli Police Arrest Two Emirati Tourists by Mistake

Israeli security force members walk past a house during clashes with Palestinians which erupted over Israel's demolition of a shop in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Israeli security force members walk past a house during clashes with Palestinians which erupted over Israel's demolition of a shop in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
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Israeli Police Arrest Two Emirati Tourists by Mistake

Israeli security force members walk past a house during clashes with Palestinians which erupted over Israel's demolition of a shop in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad
Israeli security force members walk past a house during clashes with Palestinians which erupted over Israel's demolition of a shop in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem June 29, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

The Israeli police said two Emirati tourists were arrested and then released after shots were fired on central Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Street.

The police wrongfully thought the two men were involved in the incident, however, it quickly released them after their identity became clear.

Tel Aviv witnessed a wave of panic after two anonymous individuals opened fire at an unknown target on Wednesday. People at the scene assumed it was another Palestinian operation and started running in panic.

The two tourists were held by Israelis because of their Arab looks, and were handed to the police for investigation. An hour later, the Police apologized to them and released them.

The police said the incident was crime-related and that it left no casualties.

An initial investigation found that two suspects who were riding a motorcycle fired shots at a third persona, who was standing next to his Mercedes on the street.

The apparent target of the shooting is a known criminal, who has a history of serious violent crimes, and served a 22-month prison term.



Israel Plans Military Rule in Gaza

Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
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Israel Plans Military Rule in Gaza

Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has suggested that Israel plans to establish military rule in Gaza for an indefinite period, despite opposition from the army.

Smotrich criticized the military for refusing to take responsibility for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling it a bigger failure than the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, which saw over 100 Israelis kidnapped by Hamas.

He argued that the army’s refusal is partly why the hostages have not been released.

“The political leadership asked and insisted, but the army rejected any responsibility for military rule,” Smotrich said.

“If it’s necessary for security, I’m not worried about us being an authoritative presence in Gaza to eliminate Hamas.”

Smotrich’s remarks add to growing concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to occupy Gaza and establish military control.

Netanyahu has not outlined a clear post-conflict plan for Gaza, leading to fears that private security companies might take control of civilian life there.

While many Americans, Palestinians and Arabs believe Netanyahu wants to occupy Gaza, former defense minister Yoav Gallant warned that Israeli rule over Gaza would be harmful.

He called for a governing body that is neither Hamas nor Israel to avoid paying a heavy price.

On day 409 of the war, Israel continued its operation in northern Gaza. The operation is aimed at clearing large areas under heavy fire, and it seems to be part of a broader plan for military control.

Field sources in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Israeli army is evacuating and isolating large areas in the north, dividing Gaza into three regions. This could signal a prolonged Israeli presence in the area.

Earlier, satellite images showed increased infrastructure activity in northern Gaza, including new and expanded roads. The activity is focused between Beit Lahiya, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, suggesting that Israel is trying to separate these areas from the rest of Gaza.

While Israel pushes ahead with its military plans, airstrikes on Monday killed about 80 Palestinians.