On 12 Kislev, IDF Sgt. Ron Kokia was stabbed to death in Arad while waiting at a bus stop for soldiers; his personal weapon was also taken.

On 13 Kislev, in a joint Shin Bet and Israel Police operation, two suspects were arrested and questioned for carrying out the attack: Khaled Abu Jaudah and Zahi Abu Jaudah, Israeli citizens who reside in the Negev and who have no known security record.

Khaled confessed to murdering Sgt. Kokia and stealing his weapon. He said that Zahi served as his confidant and that he had aided him after the attack.

Khaled decided to murder an IDF soldier and steal his weapon in order to do something for the Palestinians in revenge for IDF actions in Yehuda, Shomron and Gaza. He identifies with terrorist organizations and holds extremist views.

Khaled initially planned to kidnap a soldier in order to advance the release of Arab prisoners. To this end he planned to use anesthetics that he had access to due to his work at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. He later decided to murder a soldier and steal his weapon for use in future attacks. Khaled purchased a vehicle to escape in after the attack and also set aside money to live on.

In October and November, Khaled and Zahi, armed with a knife, drove around the Arad area and scouted possible sites to carry out their plan. On the evening of the attack, as he drove around Arad, Khaled stabbed Sgt. Kokia to death and stole his weapon. He then met Zahi near the site of the attack. The two hid the stolen weapon, which they later turned in.

Indictments were filed against both suspects on Sunday, 6 Teves.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)