Jerusalem (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) - 22
January 2026 – A suspect set two Israeli police officers on fire while they
responded to a suicide call in northern Israel. Both officers sustained burns
but were reported stable after hospital treatment. The incident occurred amid
heightened security alerts in the region, with the suspect taken into custody.
Two Israeli police officers suffered burns after a suspect
doused them with flammable liquid and set them alight during a response to a
reported suicide attempt in northern Israel. The event unfolded on 21 January
2026 in a residential area near Safed, prompting a swift containment by
reinforcements. Authorities confirmed the suspect's detention without further
injuries to personnel.
Police received the initial call at approximately 3:45 PM
local time regarding an individual threatening self-harm. Upon arrival, the
officers encountered the suspect, who suddenly escalated the situation by
throwing petrol and igniting it. Dashcam footage released by police showed the
officers retreating while extinguishing flames on their uniforms.
Incident Location and Initial Response
The call originated from a single-storey home in the Galilee
region, specifically in the town of Safed's outskirts. Northern District Police
Commander detailed that the first responders, both aged in their 30s, entered
the property to assess the welfare concern. Within minutes, the suspect
produced a container of accelerant, splashed it towards the officers, and used
a lighter to start the fire.
Backup units arrived within four minutes, subduing the
suspect with tasers and non-lethal force. Firefighters from the Israel Fire and
Rescue Authority extinguished residual flames and ventilated the structure. The
officers received immediate first aid before ambulance transfer to Ziv Medical
Centre in Safed.
Medical teams reported second-degree burns covering 15 per
cent of one officer's body and 10 per cent on the other, primarily on arms and
torso. Hospital spokesperson confirmed both remained conscious and underwent
debridement procedures overnight. No bystanders or additional victims were
identified at the scene.
Suspect Profile and Motive Statements
The suspect, a 42-year-old male resident of the area with
prior minor convictions for public disturbance, offered no resistance
post-incident. Police interrogation began after medical clearance, with initial
statements indicating personal distress linked to the suicide report.
Investigators found no evidence of terrorist affiliation, classifying the event
as a criminal assault on officers.
Magen David Adom paramedics noted the suspect sustained
minor smoke inhalation but required no hospitalisation. Forensic teams
recovered the accelerant container and lighter from the living room. Neighbours
described the individual as reclusive, with occasional reports of erratic
behaviour over preceding weeks.
Israel Police Commissioner issued a statement emphasising
officer safety protocols, noting body cameras captured the full sequence. The
suspect faces charges including two counts of attempted murder, arson, and
assault on a public servant.
Medical Treatment and Officer Conditions
At Ziv Medical Centre, the officers received hyperbaric
oxygen therapy alongside burn dressings. Lead surgeon reported stable vital
signs, with discharge projected within 48 hours barring complications. Families
remained at the bedside, supported by police welfare officers.
The Northern District medical coordinator highlighted rapid
intervention prevented deeper tissue damage. Intravenous fluids and pain
management stabilised both patients upon arrival. Public appeals discouraged
unverified social media footage to protect privacy.
National Police Union representative visited the hospital,
calling for enhanced protective gear distribution. Officers' union data
indicated 27 assaults on personnel in the Northern District during 2025.
Police Operational Protocols Reviewed
Following the incident, Israel Police initiated an internal
review of suicide call response procedures. Guidelines mandate two-officer
minimum entry and risk assessment prior to welfare checks. Safed station
commander confirmed all units now carry fire-retardant blankets as standard
equipment.
Training updates focus on accelerant recognition and
de-escalation tactics for mental health crises. National headquarters
dispatched a crisis negotiation team for similar future calls. The review
incorporates input from the two affected officers once medically cleared.
Security camera networks in the vicinity provided
supplementary footage, aiding reconstruction. No weapons beyond the flammable
materials appeared in evidence logs.
Regional Security Context
Northern Israel maintains elevated alert status due to
proximity to Lebanon border and sporadic rocket activity. Safed, a historic
city with 37,000 residents, hosts a significant police presence. Recent months
saw increased patrols following intelligence on lone-actor risks.
Galilee District Police logged 142 welfare-related calls in
January 2026 alone, with 12 per cent involving resistance. The incident marks
the first fire-based assault on officers in the district since 2022.
Cross-border tensions remain monitored, though officials ruled out external
links.
Local council convened an emergency meeting, pledging mental
health resources for the community. Residents reported no prior disturbances at
the suspect's address.
Statements from Authorities and Officials
Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the
hospital, praising the officers' courage and vowing stringent prosecution. In a
televised address, he stated, "Attacks on police will face maximum
penalties." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a message
supporting law enforcement.
Safed Mayor Alizan Dabah expressed community solidarity,
arranging meals for the officers' families. Magen David Adom national director
commended ground response times averaging 7.1 minutes district-wide.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for legislative
safeguards on first responders, citing rising violence statistics. Knesset
Public Security Committee scheduled a briefing for 23 January.
Broader Trends in Officer Assaults
Israel Police annual report documented 4,200 assaults on
officers in 2025, up 18 per cent from prior year. Northern District recorded
620 incidents, often linked to domestic disputes. Firearms discharges remain
rare, with accelerants comprising 2 per cent of weapons used.
Comparative data from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv districts show
similar welfare call risks. National training academies incorporated the Safed
footage for scenario drills by 22 January evening.
Union negotiations seek body armour upgrades and
psychological support expansion. Legislative proposals under discussion include
mandatory sentencing enhancements for officer-directed violence.
Community and Family Reactions
Neighbours
gathered outside the property post-incident, expressing shock at the escalation.
One resident stated,
"He kept to himself, but we never imagined this."
Community leaders organised vigils at the police station.
Officers' families issued a joint statement thanking medical
staff and colleagues. Northern District commander awarded commendations to
backup responders during a brief ceremony.
Media access remained restricted to protect investigation
integrity. Police social media channels shared authorised footage emphasising
response efficacy.
Investigation Progress and Charges
By 22 January morning, forensic analysis confirmed petrol as
the accelerant source. Suspect's mobile phone yielded texts indicating suicidal
ideation predating the call. Prosecutors prepared indictments for expedited
court filing.
Court appearance scheduled for 24 January at Safed Magistrate's Court. Bail opposition anticipated given flight risk assessment. Parallel mental health evaluation mandated under protocol.