The ISA (Israel Security Agency/Shin Bet) spokesman on Tuesday morning announced the apprehension of the terrorist responsible for the Givat Assaf Junction shooting attack in Shomron, on December 13, 2018. Two soldiers from Nachal Chareidi were killed in the attack, Sgts. Yossi Cohen HY”D and Yuval Mor-Yosef HY”D.

Another Nachal Chareidi soldier, Netanel Felber, was critically wounded, shot in his head.  Netanel Ilan ben Shaina Tziporah remains in critical condition till this day and the tzibur is asked to continue being mispallel for his recovery.

ISA agents working with the elite Israel Police Yomam commando units apprehended Aasem Barghoutti, the terrorist responsible for the fatal attack. He was taken into custody on Tuesday morning at the home of another terrorist who assisted him and his brother. An automatic Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle was found in his possession along with ammunition and night vision equipment.

Additionally, it is now being reported that Barghoutti was involved in another shooting attack just days before, at the entrance to Yishuv Ofra, about 2 kilometers from Givat Assaf. A pregnant woman, Shira Ish-Ran, was seriously wounded in the attack. Her husband Amichai was also wounded. Doctors had to deliver the baby to save her life. Tragically, the baby survived only 3 days and was named Amiad Yisrael at his Levaya.

Omar Barghoutti, Aasem’s brother, carried out that attack and was killed by security forces last month.

Authorities explain the arrest was the culmination of intelligence efforts and the use of advanced technological means available. He is now in Shin Bet custody where he will be interrogated.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented on the apprehension of Barghouti. “I congratulate the ISA, IDF and the [Israel Police] anti-terror unit for capturing the abhorrent terrorist who carried out the attack at Givat Asaf and who participated in the Ofra attack.

“The long arm of Israel will reach whoever attacks our citizens. The State of Israel will deal with them to the fullest extent of the law.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)