Three Indicted for Supplying Gun Used in Deadly Beersheba Attack

Prosecutors have filed indictments against the Defendant, 26, a minor, and the minor's father, for their alleged involvement in procuring the handgun used in the October 2024 Beersheba central bus station attack. The shooting resulted in the death of Border Police officer Shira Hayya Susslik and injured others. According to the indictment, the attacker requested help from a relative, the minor's father, to buy a pistol in January 2024. The father then approached his minor son, who contacted al-Aqbi to finalize the deal. Al-Aqbi allegedly agreed to purchase the gun for approximately 43,000 shekels, including a 3,000 shekel profit for himself. He and the minor met near Lahavim, where al-Aqbi received a Glock pistol for 20,000 shekels. This weapon was then transferred to the minor's father for inspection before being passed to the attacker, who paid part of the sum.

Months later, before the attack, the perpetrator asked al-Aqbi to buy ammunition and a magazine for the pistol. Al-Aqbi reportedly purchased a magazine and 50 bullets for 2,500 shekels. The indictment asserts that all three defendants knew the attacker held extremist, anti-Jewish ideology and might use the weapon for an attack. The attack occurred on October 6, 2024, in Beersheba's central station.

Al-Aqbi faces additional charges related to other arms deals between 2024 and 2026, including an attempted purchase of 990 M-16 rifle rounds, a silencer, a Kalashnikov rifle, and another Glock pistol. Prosecutors stated that al-Aqbi and the minor described their long-term involvement in arms trafficking as akin to "going shopping in a large store," indicating deep immersion in the illicit arms trade. The charges include arms trafficking, possession, and transfer, as well as providing means under anti-terrorism law. The minor and his father are also accused of illegally possessing a Kalashnikov rifle near Rahat, with the minor facing additional charges for driving without a license or insurance. The investigation was conducted by the Southern District's Central Unit, the Shin Bet, and Bedouin trackers from the Southern Border Police.