Police seek to hold woman who slapped prosecutor in Palestinian teen’s trial

Police are seeking to extend the remand of an Israeli woman who slapped a military prosecutor on Wednesday, during the sentencing of Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi, who was convicted of assaulting an IDF soldier.

The unnamed supporter of Tamimi, who was identified by police only as a resident of central Israel in her 40s, was immediately arrested and was set to be brought Thursday before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Tamimi was sentenced to eight months in prison after the Ofer Military Court approved a plea bargain in which she confessed to aggravated assault of an IDF soldier, incitement to violence and disrupting soldiers on two other occasions.

Tamimi was arrested four months ago after she was filmed slapping and shoving IDF soldiers in her West Bank village of Nebi Saleh. Ahed’s mother, Nariman, and cousin Nour were also convicted for their participation in the December 15 incident.

The 17-year-old was also filmed encouraging attacks against Israelis, including stabbing attacks.

Tamimi’s sentence will include time already served since her arrest four days after the quarrel, meaning she is slated to be released in the summer. The verdict also tacked on a fine of NIS 5,000 ($1,430).

Following the sentencing, Ahed told reporters that there is “no justice under occupation and we are in an illegal court.”

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Nariman Tamimi was given eight months in prison, a suspended sentence, and a fine of NIS 6,000 ($1,730) under the same plea deal for crimes of incitement, disrupting a soldier, and assisting in the assault of a soldier.

Nour Tamimi was given a NIS 2,000 ($580) fine, a term of 16 days time served since her arrest, and a suspended term, also as part of a plea agreement. Unlike her aunt and cousin, the 21-year-old had been released from prison two weeks after her arrest due to the relatively minor charges against her.

Ahed’s incarceration has drawn attention from around the globe, highlighting the teen’s image as a Palestinian icon. She has become a cause célèbre for Palestinian supporters, and rallies have been held in several locations calling for her release.

Many Palestinians see her as bravely standing up to military control over the West Bank, while Israelis accuse her family of using her as a pawn.

Nabi Saleh has been a frequent staging ground for provoked clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians, specifically members of the Tamimi clan, which has a history of getting involved in highly publicized interactions with the IDF.

Jacob Magid and agencies contributed to this report.