Elad terror attack: Manhunt continues, main suspects’ identities released

ANNA AHRONHEIM

As the hunt for two terrorists who carried out a deadly terror attack in Elad continues, the police released the identities of the main suspects.

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Suspects in the Elad ax terrorist attack, 20-year-old Tzabahi Abu Shakir (Left) and 19 year-old Assad al-Rafai (Right). / (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

Israeli security forces are continuing a large manhunt after two Palestinians killed three Israeli civilians in the city of Elad.

Police identified the two suspects 19 year-old Assad al-Rafai and 20-year-old Tzabahi Abu Shakir, both from the Jenin area in the West Bank.  Security services released their pictures and have asked for the public’s help in locating them, indicating that the two might still be in Israeli territory.

The three victims in the deadly attack were identified as 40-year-old Yonatan Habakuk, 40-year-old Boaz Gol, and 35 year-old Oren Ben Yiftach. Together they left behind 16 children.

Seven other people were injured in the attack, one in critical condition and another in serious condition. Beilinson hospital said that a man in his 20s was still in life-threatening condition with head wounds. Another person was moderately wounded, a fourth was lightly wounded and the rest were lightly injured or suffering from shock.

According to eyewitness reports, the attack took place in several locations in Elad, with the two Palestinian suspects armed with axes and knives. The two men struck civilians on the city’s main street Ibn Gvirol and at the Elad Amphitheater Park where many families were spending the evening celebrating the end of Independence Day.

Suspects for the Elad ax terrorist attack, 20-year-old Tzabahi Abu Shakir (Left) and 19 year-old Assad al-Rafai (Right). (credit: Israel Police/Composite image by Jerusalem Post Staff)

Following the attack, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with senior officials of the defense establishment for a situational assessment. 

Defense Minister Benny Gantz met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi and decided to extend the closure that was imposed on the West Bank and Gaza Strip for Memorial and Independence Day until Sunday. It was also decided to reinforce troops in the West Bank even further.

The IDF has reinforced troops in the West Bank by 12 battalions for a total of 25 battalions in order to bring the current wave of violence to an end without further attacks. Last week the IDF announced the decision to recruit six reserve battalions in the coming weeks after a situational assessment.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with senior officials of the defense establishment for a situational assessment.  “Our enemies have embarked on a murderous campaign against Jews, wherever they are. Their purpose is to break our spirit but they will fail,” said Bennett on Friday morning. “We will lay our hands on the terrorists and on those who support them. And they will pay the price.”