Suspect in Double Murder Caught During Another Assassination Attempt in Northern Israel

Israeli police have arrested the main suspect in the double murder of Marwan Abu Shaheen and Saada Saada, who were killed in a shooting in Buq'ata on June 19, 2026. The suspect, a young man from Kiryat Shmona, was apprehended on July 5 in Yirka while carrying out another assassination attempt, armed and disguised. The initial shooting in Buq'ata resulted in the deaths of Abu Shaheen, 52, and Saada, 56, both local residents. Police investigations revealed that a criminal gang from northern Israel planned the attack in advance, including renting a cabin and using vehicles purchased shortly before the shooting. Several suspects and vehicles were detained, but the main suspect evaded capture until the second shooting incident. During the July 5 operation, police officers noticed a masked individual firing at a worker and arrested him after removing his disguise, confirming his identity as the wanted suspect. Prosecutors will file charges against three individuals connected to the double murder. The investigation is ongoing under the Northern District's central unit.