A joint task force of the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel and Border Police stormed the homes of Malak Hamed's extended family on Thursday night.
Hamed is the 21-year-old resident of Silwad who killed Sgt. Elchai Teharlev andinjured another soldier in a car-ramming attack at a bus stop outside of Ofra, north of Jerusalem in the West Bank, which took place earlier that day.
Hamed's brother was arrested during the operation as part of the IDF's policy to prevent the terrorist's family from aiding in further terrorist acts. Six cars were seized after being identified as stolen vehicles.
In addition, NIS 40,000 were seized on the suspicion of being used to fund terrorism.
Security forces storms the homes of the Hamed extended family (Credit: IDF)
(צילום: דו"צ)
Malak Hamed was arrested following the attack and taken for interrogation by the Shin Bet. He is part of the Hamed extended family, which is linked to Hamas. Nine members of the family have committed terrorist crimes in the West Bank over the years.
Malak himself was arrested in 2015 when he tried to illegally enter Geva Binyamin, but he was released after three months.
Two hours after the attack his home was searched and evidence, such as phone messages, was found that indicated his intention to carry out an attack.
(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)