Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has promoted a police unit commander accused of killing two unarmed Palestinians in Jenin, occupied West Bank. The promotion, to deputy commissioner, came just a day after footage emerged showing unit members shooting two Palestinians who had raised their hands in surrender. The victims, identified as Montasir Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Asasa, 37, were reportedly unarmed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The move has drawn criticism as unusual, since such high ranks are rarely given to unit commanders. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power Party, personally visited the unit’s base to announce the promotion and expressed full support for the officers, even as a criminal investigation continues. The incident adds to growing tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli operations since October 2023 have killed over 1,085 Palestinians and injured more than 10,700. The International Court of Justice has previously declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.