An IDF court has acquitted PA (Palestinian Authority) resident Nawaf Fad of murder on Tuesday, 22 Nissan 5777. The suspect was charged with the murder of Ben-Yosef Livnat at Kever Yosef in Shechem in 2011, but the court ruled there was reasonable doubt of his guilt, finding him guilty only of obstructing justice and tampering with evidence. A number of others were wounded in the fatal attack.

PA (Palestinian Authority) police fired at a Jewish vehicle heading to the kever in the PA-occupied city. Four PA police were later arrested following the fatal attack. They explained the occupants of the vehicle were instructed not to proceed and that is why they opened fire, since they did not adhere the warning.

In 2013, the Shin Bet apprehended three of the policemen, after the PA released them. The Shin Bet reported the three had already coordinated their stories, explaining they were firing in response to being under attack.

Attorney Caim Bleicher of Honenu feels there was absolutely no basis to acquit the defendant based on the evidence presented in the case.

“The defendant explicitly admitted that he had shot at the victim’s car and even admitted that he had hit him,” Bleicher explains. “In addition, a bullet was found in the victim’s vehicle that matched the shooting described by the defendant in his own confession.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)