Man Who Smuggled Weapons Must Repay Air Evacuation Costs

Israel's State Attorney's Office has filed a civil lawsuit seeking approximately NIS 105,000 from Hassan Alma'abda of Kuseife. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, demands Alma'abda repay the cost of his aerial evacuation after he was injured during an attempt to smuggle weapons and ammunition from Jordan into Israel.

According to the lawsuit, filed in June 2021, Alma'abda was apprehended by security forces while attempting the smuggling operation. He fled when confronted, ignoring demands to stop. During the pursuit, he was shot in the legs to prevent his escape and was injured. A soldier was also wounded in the incident.

Alma'abda required urgent medical attention, necessitating the dispatch of a "Yanshuf" helicopter to transport him and the injured soldier to Soroka Hospital. The cost of this air evacuation was approximately NIS 105,000.

In the criminal proceedings, Alma'abda pleaded guilty to charges including weapons import and trade, and obstructing a police officer. In 2023, he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, a suspended sentence, a NIS 10,000 fine, and a driver's license suspension.

The civil claim argues that Alma'abda's actions and his attempt to evade capture directly led to his injury and the subsequent need for costly air evacuation, making him liable for the expenses incurred by the state. The lawsuit cites negligence, breach of statutory duty, and unjust enrichment as grounds for the claim.