Findings on Shfaram attack submitted
Inquiry committee probing last month’s terror attack in which Jewish soldier killed 4 Arab-Israelis says Shin Bet must transfer information in its possession to IDF so thorough investigation regarding potential attackers is conducted
The terror attack carried out by IDF soldier Eden Natan Zada in Shfaram could not have been prevented, as no relevant organization held the necessary amount of information to thwart it, Brig. Gen. (res.) Ika Abrabanel, head of the inquiry committee probing last month’s Shfaram terror attack, told Ynet.
Jewish gunman Eden Natan Zada shot four people dead in the Arab-Israeli town of Shfaram; he was later beaten to death by angry citizens who were at the scene.
Scene of Shfaram terror attack (Photo: AP)
Abrabanel added that chances of a similar attack happening in the future would be significantly reduced should the committee’s suggestions be implemented.
One of the committee’s key suggestions is already being materialized, as a joint IDF-Shin Bet taskforce is being set up to analyze and gather information regarding potential Jewish terrorists.
'Zada was a highly-motivated soldier'
Abarbanel said the Shin Bet would have to transfer information in its possession to the IDF so that a thorough inquiry regarding potential attackers may be conducted.
The committee also proposed to reorganize civil and military branches responsible for gathering relevant security information.
Abarbanel suggested IDF commanders gather details on all soldiers belonging to their unit, including medical and personal details, adding that greater attention must be paid to drastic changes that take place during the soldiers’ service.
“Zada was a soldier who began his army service with added motivation and was even officers’ course material,” he said.
Abarbanel said certain “red lights” during Zada’s military service were not conveyed among the different units he had served in; this prevented military authorities from obtaining a full profile of the soldier, he said.
It was also suggested that reforms regarding non-combat soldiers going on leave with their rifles should be considered.
The committee emphasized the fact that even if the Shin Bet would have transferred information regarding Zada to the IDF, it still would not have led the relevant authorities to believe he was capable of carrying out an extreme and violent act.
