IDF and Shin Bet Eliminate Terrorist Behind Noa Argamani, Avinatan Or Kidnapping

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed on Sunday the elimination of Saher Nidal Latfi Sakr, the terrorist identified as the driver of the motorcycle used to abduct Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or during the October 7, 2023 massacre. The operation took place on Saturday in the Nuseirat area of central Gaza, in cooperation with the Gideonim 33 unit of Lahav 433, the Israeli police's national anti-crime unit.

According to Israeli security forces, Sakr was active within international jihadist organizations operating in Gaza and had supplied weapons to Hamas during the war. On October 7, he infiltrated Israel as part of the Hamas-led attack and subsequently drove the motorcycle that transported Argamani and Or from the Nova music festival into Gaza. Images of their abduction became some of the most striking footage from that day.

Israeli authorities stated that Sakr had also been involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces and civilians in recent months, in coordination with members of the armed wings of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. They assert these actions constituted repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The terrorist was eliminated in an airstrike, with security forces deeming him an immediate threat. Noa Argamani was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024 during Operation Arnon. Avinatan Or was released in October 2025 after 738 days in captivity.