Three men, Aksa Martyrs Brigades operatives, Abbas's own Fatah movement . who were involved in the fatal shooting attack on Thursday that killed 45-year-old father of seven Rabbi Meir Hai, הי"ד, near the settlement of Shavei Shomron, where he lived were killed by IDF after they refused to surrender to troops.
The three, 38-year-old Raed Sukarji, 39-year-old Ghassan Abu Sharkh, and 40-year-old Anan Subih were located in a house in Nablus which was then surrounded by elite IDF troops. After being offered several options of surrender, IDF entered the building, where they found at least two rifles and two handguns, and were killed by IDF fire.
At least one of the three terrorists, Anan Subih, had been convicted of murdering Jews and sent to prison but was released in a prisoner exchange deal several years ago. The relatively advanced age of the terrorists was surprising as most terrorists who actually carry out murders are much younger. It is believed that the three wanted to set an example for others to return to murdering Jews. They were considered among the leadership of the Aksa Martyrs Brigade.
The Yesha Council made a statement to the press on Saturday night congratulating the IDF for their quick action on excellent military intelligence and commending their bravery in the operation.
The message sent to the Palestinian street and terrorists was clear. Israel will not allow the deterioration of the situation in Yesha or anywhere else. Those breaking the relative calm will be found and will be caught or killed should they refuse surrender.
In another action. three Palestinians who had apparently tried to infiltrate Israel from the northern Gaza Strip were killed by IDF troops. Soldiers identified several people crawling near the Gaza border fence and alerted a helicopter, which opened fire and killed them. Weapons were discovered near the men's bodies.
