IDF arrests terrorist Tuesday after a month of searching; Terrorist and brother involved in Ofra shooting.

 

The IDF ended its month-long manhunt for a terrorist who killed two IDF soldiers in the West Bank.

The Palestinian terrorist, Asam Barghouti, was arrested on Tuesday in the town of Abu Shukheidim and is being questioned by IDF and police forces.

Barghouti carried out the shooting attack at the Givat Assaf bus stop last month targeting soldiers and civilians. Sergeant Yuval Mor Yosef, 20, and Corporal Yosef Cohen, 19, were killed, the IDF confirming at the time, “Two IDF soldiers were killed and another soldier was severely injured in the shooting attack that occurred this morning north of Jerusalem. The IDF extends its heartfelt condolences to the soldiers’ families and will continue to support them. May their memories be a blessing.”

The IDF, Shin Bet and Israeli Police carried out search missions throughout the West Bank, making several arrests and finding numerous accomplices to terror, since the shooting. The terrorist’s brother, Saleh Barghouti, was shot and killed by IDF forces two days before the Givat Assaf attack and was involved in the Ofra shooting. Police believe both of the brothers were involved in the attack.

Last month a wave of violence broke out in the West Bank after Palestinian terrorists carried out a drive-by shooting at a bus stop in the settlement of Ofra in Samaria. Seven were injured, including a 7-month pregnant woman. Her newborn was delivered prematurely due to her wounds and was pronounced dead days later.

Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a televised address following the terrorist’s capture, thanking the IDF and Israeli Police. He stated Tuesday afternoon, “Several hours ago we captured the reprehensible murderer from Givat Asaf and Ofra. For this I commend the [Israel Police] special anti-terror unit, the IDF and especially the ISA [Israel Security Authority], which is the best counter-terrorism organization of its kind in the world. We owe it much. It does its work with professionalism and dedication…”

 

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