Palestinian Security Service Employee Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping of Israeli Soldier in Uniform

Israeli police have arrested Walid Faroukh, a 49-year-old resident of the Palestinian Authority territories and employee of the Palestinian Security Service, on suspicion of involvement in the kidnapping of an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier. The soldier, who serves in regular service and belongs to the Bedouin community, was reportedly abducted about a week ago in Beersheba while wearing his military uniform. According to the investigation, Faroukh and another individual handcuffed the soldier, blindfolded him, and transferred him into Palestinian Authority territory, where they threatened him. The soldier was later released in an open area, bound and injured, and subsequently assaulted. He managed to escape and was taken to a Palestinian police station before returning to Israel. The soldier was found in the Tarkumia area and told investigators he had been kidnapped while in uniform. The Beersheba Magistrate's Court extended Faroukh's detention by four days. Authorities are conducting an intensive investigation to clarify the full details of the kidnapping, the extent of Faroukh's involvement, and the precise motive, which is believed to be criminal in nature.