There is an audible outcry with the verdict of the Jerusalem Magistrate Court on Sunday, 11 Tammuz, deciding Niv Asraf and Eran Nagokar will be sentenced to community service for their actions. Three years ago, in 2015, after a 10-hour search by security forces, Niv Asraf of Beersheva, 22 at the time, who was feared to have been abducted, was found safe and sound in Kiryat Arba.

A plea bargain agreement was reached, in which the indictment was wiped entirely and Asaf was sent to six months imprisonment, to be done in the form of community service and a NIS 5,000 fine. Eran was sentenced to three months community service and a fine of NIS 2,500. The prosecution was seeking years imprisonment, and after the verdict was announced, requested 45 days to file an appeal.

Ten hours after an intensive search in the Kiryat Arba district, it was learned that Niv fabricated the abduction, along with his accomplice, a member of the Beersheva Bedouin community. They were initially jailed, and it was decided they would cover the costs of the expansive nationwide search. Eventually, Niv and Eran were released on bail with restrictions. The ‘abduction’ gripped the Jewish world as many began reciting Tehillim after it was announced the incident was a terrorist abduction from Beit Anoun, in the Kiryat Arba area, where he went to change a flat tire. Someone phoned police to report they know he went to the PA (Palestine Authority) village and then disappeared.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)