Israel Accuses Three Negev Residents of Supplying Gun to Beersheba Attacker
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli prosecutors have indicted three Negev residents for allegedly supplying weapons and ammunition to Ahmed Al-Aqabi, who carried out a deadly shooting attack in Beersheba in October 2024. The Shin Bet and police claim the defendants knew the weapons might be used for an attack. The investigation, which began nearly two years after the incident, also suggests some detainees were involved in broader arms trafficking. The indictments include charges of arms trafficking and providing means for terrorism, with authorities vowing to continue pursuing those who aid attacks.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Three Negev residents were indicted for allegedly supplying weapons to Beersheba attacker Ahmed Al-Aqabi.
- The weapons were reportedly used in the October 2024 shooting attack that killed one person and injured others.
- Security agencies claim the defendants were aware the weapons could be used for an attack.
- The investigation, initiated nearly two years after the attack, also points to broader arms trafficking involvement.
- Indictments include charges of arms trafficking and providing means for terrorism.
- Authorities vow to continue prosecuting individuals suspected of aiding attacks against Israelis.
Israeli prosecutors on Thursday filed indictments against three Negev residents, accusing them of involvement in the purchase and sale of weapons and ammunition that reached Ahmed Al-Aqabi, the perpetrator of a shooting attack at the Beersheba central bus station in October 2024. Security agencies claim the defendants were aware that the weapons might be used for an attack.
The Shin Bet and police announced that the arrests were made in September, following an operation involving the undercover "Musta'arvim" unit of the Border Police. The detainees underwent interrogations by the Shin Bet and a special police unit.
According to a joint statement, one of the detainees, a 26-year-old from Hura in the Negev, and two others, a father and son from the Al-Aqabi settlement in the Negev, were involved. The son was a minor at the time of the alleged offenses.
The investigation, as claimed by the Shin Bet and police, concluded that the defendants facilitated a weapons deal involving a handgun and ammunition, which subsequently reached Al-Aqabi. The authorities allege the defendants "were aware that he might be interested in advancing an attack."
The statement did not specify the evidence supporting these claims or the precise role attributed to each defendant in the arms transaction. Their responses or their lawyers' positions on the charges were also not included.
Al-Aqabi carried out the attack on October 6, 2024, at the Beersheba central station, killing a Border Police officer and injuring others. Shin Bet intelligence, gathered nearly two years after the attack, reportedly led to the arrests and investigation into the source of the weapons.
Police and Shin Bet also claim the investigation revealed some detainees were involved in arms trafficking with other Negev residents, though details on the number of alleged deals or other parties were not provided.
Following the investigation, prosecutors filed indictments at the Beersheba Central Court for offenses including "arms and ammunition trafficking and possession," as well as "providing means for carrying out a terrorist act."
The indictments do not constitute a conviction, as no judicial ruling has been issued. The Shin Bet and police stated they would continue to pursue and prosecute those suspected of aiding attacks against Israelis.
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