Israeli security forces apprehended two terrorists suspected of carrying out the deadly shooting attack on Highway 90 on Monday.
By Erin Viner
The joint operation was conducted by the IDF, Israeli Security Agency (ISA, Shin Bet) and Border Police operation in the Aqabat Jabr camp adjacent to the West Bank city of Jericho.
Based off of ISA intelligence, the forces captured two gunmen who shot and killed dual Israeli-American citizen Elan Ganeles, who was visiting the country to attend as wedding.
An exchange of gunfire took place during the arrest raid, resulting in the death of an armed Palestinian assailant. There were no reported injuries to the Israeli forces.
Weapons belonging to the terrorists were confiscated from the scene, and the suspects were transferred to security forces for interrogation.
“I salute the IDF and ISA for quickly locating the terrorists and carrying out a precise operation,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing, “Whoever tries to hurt us will pay the price.”
Defense MInister Yoav Gallant also commended the Israeli forces on the successful mission, while underscoring, “Every terrorist should be aware of Israel’s defense establishment – we will get our hands on them.”
Ganeles’ murder was the latest in a wave of Palestinian terror attacks, that have claimed the lives of 14 people in Israel since the start of the year.
Just one day before his murder, Israeli brothers Hillel and Yagel Yaniv died after being shot at point-blank range by Palestinian terrorists as they drove through the flashpoint West Bank town of Huwara, north of Ramallah.