Lior Farchi, the 43 year-old chief of security in the Samaria region Jewish community of Shaarei Tikva who was run over by a 25 year old Arab from Kafr Qasem, will be laid to rest at 2pm on Monday in a military ceremony at the Segula Cemetery in Petach Tikva.
He is survived by a pregnant wife and three young children.
In an interview with the Israel HaYom newspaper, friend Dvir Carmon stated that he and Farchi were taking video of Palestinian Authority residents illegally crossing a security barrier when two IDF soldiers began running after the lawbreakers. When a car began heading toward the soldiers, Farchi joined the chase, and drew his gun, signaling the car to pull over when it seemed the driver the soldiers over. When Farchi aimed his weapon at the car, rather than slowing down, the vehicle veered toward him, sped up, and ran him over.
The incident, which is still being categorized as a hit-and-run accident by police rather than a terror attack, occurred at the intersection between Shaarei Tikva and Oranite on Route 505. Farchi was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and evacuated to Beilinson Hospital’s Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikva, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspects abandoned their vehicle down the road. Following a broad manhunt including helicopters, two suspects were arrested in Jaffa. Investigations determined that the car had likely been stolen from a resident of Rosh HaAyin, who reported a missing vehicle sometime later.
Major General Amos Yaakov, commander of the Shai District police, called the hit intentional, and Danny Dayan, head of the Yesha Council of Judea and Samaria, called the event a terror attack.
Reports indicate that Carmon was able to capture the event on the same camera used to film the illegal PA infiltration. A gag order has been put into place, and no footage is being released.
Farchi is being officially recognized as an IDF soldier who fell in the line of duty.
Police are searching for additional suspects.