An individual reportedly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was disarmed on Wednesday by the Israel Police after locking himself in his Netivot home with a handgun and threatening to commit suicide.
The individual, a security guard who spent an extended period in the reserves during the war, was at home with his wife and children but reportedly posed no threat to anyone but himself.
Advanced-Staff-Sergeant Major Ariel Morzhanov, an operator in the crisis negotiation unit of Yamar who helped save lives by handling negotiations with the terrorists at the Edri family home during the October 7 massacre, arrived at the scene to manage dialogue and de-escalate the situation.
The incident began when police officers, together with the municipal policing unit, arrived following a report of a suicide threat. The Israel Police negotiation team was also deployed, and Morzhanov, an Ofakim resident who serves in the Southern District Central Investigative Unit (YAMAR), was rushed to the scene, while Counterterrorism Unit (Yamam) forces were subsequently on standby as an intervention force.
After discussions with the negotiation team at the scene and personnel from the Ofek unit, the at-risk individual lowered his weapon and was taken for further questioning by the police.
Suffering PTSD, no one harmed due to 'professional, responsible, sensitive' action
After some time, the incident ended with no casualties. Police forces left the scene after the situation was brought back under control.
The individual reportedly suffers from PTSD due to his military service.
The municipality stated that the sensitive and complex incident that occurred in the city ended with no loss of life, thanks to the "professional, responsible, and sensitive action of all parties involved."
Mayor Yehiel Zohar said that the individual is a resident of the city and a security personnel member who served a prolonged period in the reserves, and that the municipality "stands by the resident and his family members, is accompanying them, and will continue to assist as much as required."