Adv.-St.-Sgt. Peretz, 28, shot during a chase after criminal suspects, Police announce

He was shot during a chase after suspects riding an ATV in an open area in the village of Zalafa in the northern West Bank.

Detective Advanced-Staff-Sergeant Major Niv Ben-Mordechai Peretz, 28, from Afula, was killed after being shot in the early hours of Monday morning during a chase after suspects riding an ATV in the village of Zalafa in the northern West Bank, Israel Police announced.

He served at the Umm al-Fahm police station and was operating to locate illegally held weapons in the area.

Medical teams pronounced him dead at the scene.

As part of the investigation, Israeli police, led by the Coastal District and special units, conducted overnight searches following the shooting. Fourteen suspects were arrested and taken for questioning in the Menashe area. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.

Adv.-St.-Sgt. Peretz is survived by his parents, a brother, and a sister.

"Peretz, of blessed memory, acted with determination and courage during a planned operation to thwart an arms deal and lost his life while engaging the suspects," Police Commissioner Inspector-General Danny Levi said, adding that police "paid a heavy and unbearable price last night."

"We will continue to do everything in our power in the all-out war against crime in the Arab sector in particular, and crime in general.”

Ben-Gvir eulogizes killed detective

"Niv sacrificed his life for the security of Israel’s citizens, and his heroism will not be forgotten. The entire people of Israel mourn his loss and extend strength to his dear family in this difficult time," National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir eulogized.

"To the criminals and offenders - know this: the blood of a police officer will not be spilled in vain. We will pursue you relentlessly, we will settle the score to the end, and the law will reach you wherever you try to hide,” he concluded.

This is a developing story.

Yoav Itiel contributed to this report.