East Jerusalem Man Indicted for Selling Arms to Hamas Operative Planning Ben-Gvir Assassination

An indictment has been filed against Mohammed Salhab, an East Jerusalem resident holding an Israeli "blue ID" identity card, for arms dealing and attempting to facilitate weapons deals for terrorist purposes. The charges stem from his sale of an M16 rifle, a scope, a magazine, and 50 bullets to Rashid Rishk, a Hamas operative with a significant security background, for a profit of only 3,000 shekels.

Rishk, who was released in January of last year as part of a hostage deal, has a history of convictions including involvement in a stabbing attack at age 15 and planning to harm police officers on the Temple Mount. He also headed a cell that planned to assassinate Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, carry out a suicide bombing during the Flag March, and abduct soldiers.

According to the indictment, Salhab was aware of Rishk's security background and his ties to Hamas. Despite this knowledge, Salhab sold him the weapons. Furthermore, Rishk requested that Salhab teach him how to manufacture explosives, a request Salhab agreed to. Salhab also offered to sell Rishk an additional handgun and M16 rifle, knowing they would be used for terrorist activities. These subsequent deals did not materialize due to Rishk's lack of funds.

The report was delivered by Li Elish, head of the legal desk for "Magan Shabat" (Saturday Magazine).