An Israeli Border Police officer indicted for the killing of a Palestinian teen during a Nakba Day protest in the West Bank has been named.

The Jerusalem District Court on Sunday named Ben Deri, 21, as the officer who was indicted last month for manslaughter in the death of Nadeem Nawara during a violent demonstration in May outside Ramallah in the West Bank. The name of the officer had been under a gag order by the court for the last several weeks.

It is believed that Deri fired a live bullet rather than a rubber bullet during efforts to quell a violent demonstration in May outside Ramallah. The Israel Defense Forces said at the time of the incident that rubber bullets had been used.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

An autopsy performed on Nadeem Siam Nawara, 17, showed that he was killed by live fire. The bullet consistent was with those used by the IDF.

It is believed that the officer fired a live bullet rather than a rubber bullet during efforts to quell a violent demonstration in May outside Ramallah. The Israel Defense Forces said at the time of the incident that rubber bullets had been used.

Deri is accused of switching from rubber bullets to live bullets during the incident, which violates the rules of engagement, according to the indictment. The shooting was captured on video.

Another teen, Muhammad Abu al-Thahir, 15, also was killed that day.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount