Three Charged With Supplying Weapon Used in Deadly Beersheba Attack

Israeli prosecutors have indicted three individuals, including a minor and his father, for allegedly supplying the gunman in the Beersheba central bus station attack with the weapon and ammunition used in the October 2024 incident. The attack resulted in the death of Border Police officer Shira Hayu Soslik and injured others. The indicted individuals are the suspect, 26, the minor, and the minor's father. Prosecutors stated that no details that could reveal the identities of the minor or his father would be published.

According to the indictment, in January 2024, the attacker asked a relative, the minor's father, to help him buy a handgun. The father then involved his son, who contacted Al-Aqbi to arrange the deal. Al-Aqbi allegedly agreed to purchase a Glock pistol for approximately 43,000 shekels, including a 3,000 shekel profit. Al-Aqbi and the minor later met near Lahavim to complete the transaction, with Al-Aqbi receiving 20,000 shekels for the gun. The weapon was then transferred to the minor's father, who approved its quality before instructing his son to give it to the attacker, who paid part of the sum.

Months later, before the attack, the attacker requested ammunition and a magazine from Al-Aqbi. Prosecutors claim Al-Aqbi sold him a magazine and 50 bullets for 2,500 shekels. The indictment asserts that all three defendants knew the attacker held extremist ideologies, hated Jews, and were aware of the potential for the weapon to be used in an attack.

Al-Aqbi faces additional charges related to other arms deals between 2024 and 2026, including the purchase of 990 M16 rifle bullets for 8,000 shekels, and attempted deals for a silencer, an AK-47, and another Glock pistol. During their detention extension requests, Al-Aqbi and the minor reportedly admitted to years of involvement in arms trafficking, which prosecutors described as being "as easy as going shopping at a large store."

The defendants are charged with arms trafficking, possession, and transfer, as well as providing means for a terrorist act. The minor and his father are also accused of illegally possessing an AK-47 near Rahat, with the minor facing further charges for driving without a license or insurance. The investigation was conducted by the Southern District's Central Unit, the Shin Bet, and Bedouin undercover Border Police officers.