Three Israelis Charged for Selling Weapons to Terrorist Behind Deadly June Attack

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment on Thursday at the Central District Court in Lod against three Israeli citizens accused of selling weapons to a terrorist who carried out a deadly shooting attack in early June in the West Bank settlements of Kochav Ya'ir and Tzur Natan. The suspects are Aladin Jaheim (25), Waam Matzarwa (24) from Tayibe, and Mohammad Aftima (22) from Baqa al-Gharbiyye. All three face charges related to weapons offenses including trafficking, possession, and transportation. Additionally, Waam Matzarwa is charged with failing to prevent a terrorist act.

The indictment details that the terrorist, Omar Yassin, conducted a shooting attack on June 7, 2026, at multiple locations including Kochav Ya'ir, Tzur Yitzhak, and Tzur Natan, resulting in the death of reservist sergeant Haim Klumity and injuries to five others. The suspects had prior acquaintance with the terrorist through arms and drug dealings. Approximately two weeks before the attack, Mohammad sold a Carlo-type rifle to the terrorist for 5,000 shekels at a gas station in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, with Aladin contributing to the payment.

The terrorist concealed the weapon under the hood of Waam's car, who had driven him to purchase it. On the return trip, the terrorist disclosed his intention to carry out an attack and invited Waam to join, but Waam refused. Despite this knowledge and suspicion of an imminent terrorist act, Waam did not report it to security authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. The indictment also reveals Waam facilitated meetings between the terrorist and other arms and drug dealers, including exchanging weapons for hashish.

The prosecution requested that the suspects remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, emphasizing Waam's admission during interrogation that he knew about the planned attack but failed to report it, enabling the terrorist to execute the deadly shooting spree. The case highlights ongoing security challenges related to illegal arms trafficking and terrorism in the region.