According to the limited information released to the media, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) experts believe that Marwan Kawasmeh and Imad Abu-Eisha did not plan to kidnap three people, but opportunity presented itself. It is added that security and intelligence officials have a great deal of information that is not being released to the media at this time. In all likelihood, some of the information will remain classified for years to come.

The boys HY”D, Gilad, Naftali and Eyal were found in a very shallow pit, which intelligence officials feel is a sign that location was not planned in advance. They were wrapped in plastic sheeting and covered with weeds and rocks. They were covered in a fashion that leads officials to believe the terrorists were panicked and felt a need to dump the bodies and flee as quickly as possible. One must remember that the terrorists were unaware Israel Police bungled the call and they believed the IDF would be operating in the area very shortly. Hence the need to work quickly, dump the bodies and flee the area.

It is also explained the fact they were killed shortly after they were abducted signals the terrorists planned to kidnap one person, possibly two, but when things went sour, they panicked and killed the three. It is assumed the terrorists planned to come back and eventually use the bodies to trade for the release of additional terrorists imprisoned in Israel.

It is reported by Sky News in Arabic that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) on Monday contacted the US and other allies in a panic, fearing the Israeli retaliation.

IDF forces revisited the homes of the terrorists, questioning the wife of Kawasmeh and arresting parents of both terrorists.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)