AR'ARA — Israel Police officers shot and wounded five people in Ar'ara in the Negev on Monday morning after the vehicle they occupied reportedly fired at another car and then drove toward police units. Officers subsequently arrested three of the vehicle's occupants.

Israel Police stated that a moving vehicle had fired shots at another car earlier on Monday. Officers from the Yoav Unit identified a suspected vehicle and initiated a search for it. Israel Police reported that the vehicle was later seen driving in the direction of police patrol cars.

Officers fired at the vehicle, characterizing its approach as an immediate threat and stating the action was taken to arrest the suspects. Five individuals inside the vehicle sustained wounds from the gunfire. Four of the wounded were transported to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Initial reports indicated one person was in serious condition, and the others were moderately wounded.

During a search, officers located a handgun and several loaded magazines. The handgun is suspected of being used in the earlier shooting incident. Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, according to Israel Police.

According to a preliminary police assessment, the event originated from a dispute between two rival clans within Ar'ara in the Negev. Police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain public order and continue efforts to locate and apprehend additional suspects. Southern District Commander Ch.-Supt. Haim Bublil conducted a situational assessment at the scene.