Three Bedouins Arrested for Supplying Weapon in Deadly Beer Sheva Attack

Two years after a fatal attack in Beer Sheva that killed Border Police officer Shira Haya Suslik and injured others, the Shin Bet and Israel Police have apprehended a cell suspected of aiding the assailant. In a joint statement, the agencies announced the arrest of Negev residents who allegedly sold and helped procure the weapon and ammunition used by the attacker, Ahmed Al-A'ukabi.

Based on intelligence gathered by the Shin Bet, three Israeli citizens from the Negev were arrested last month by undercover officers from the Southern Border Police. They were transferred for interrogation by the Shin Bet and the counter-terrorism unit of the Southern District Major Crimes Unit. The suspects include the suspect, 26, a resident of Hura, and a father and son from the Al-A'ukabi dispersal area, one of whom was a minor at the time of the offenses.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the detainees engaged in a deal to acquire firearms, including a pistol and ammunition, which they supplied to the terrorist, knowing he might use them for an attack. The three are identified as illegal arms dealers.

Following the investigation, the Southern District State Attorney's Office filed serious indictments against the three in the Beer Sheva District Court. They face charges including arms and ammunition trafficking and possession, and providing means for an act of terror.

The police and Shin Bet stated, "The Shin Bet and Israel Police will continue their ongoing efforts to thwart terror and will not relent in locating all those involved in and assisting terror activities against Israeli citizens, and bringing them to justice."