Jerusalem bombings: police make arrest
Israel’s Security Agency (Shin Bet) has arrested the Palestinian allegedly responsible for the twin bombings of Jerusalem bus stops in November.
Security personnel at the scene of a terror attack near the entrance to Jerusalem, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90
Two people were killed, and more than 20 others were injured during the morning rush hour bombings on November 22.
The Shin Bet identified the suspect as Eslam Froukh, a 26-year-old mechanic who was influenced by Salafi ideology and identifies himself with the Islamic State terror organisation. The Shin Bet said Froukh alternated living in Ramallah and in the eastern Jerusalem neighbourhood of Kafr Aqab and had no previous history of security offences.
The Shin Bet didn’t indicate when Froukh was arrested. But Palestinian sources told the Tazpit Press Service that he was arrested at his home near Ramallah on November 30 and that soldiers have already mapped out the house for demolition.
The Shin Bet said the breakthrough in the investigation came on the weekend after the bombing with the discovery of a scooter allegedly used by Faroh, along with five pipe bombs and various articles of clothing, among other items.
According to the Shin Bet, Froukh learned to make explosives and experimented with them in a hole he dug in an open area of the Binyamin region north of Jerusalem. In the blown-up pit, police found raw materials for producing explosive charges. According to his LinkedIn profile, Froukh had a bachelor of applied science degree from the Azrieli College of Engineering in Jerusalem.
The Shin Bet added that Froukh had a Carlo submachine gun on him when he was arrested.
Killed in the bombings were Tedsa Teshuma, a 50-year-old Ethiopian immigrant, and Aryeh Shechopak, a 16-year-old Canadian-Israeli yeshiva student.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: “Following a wide-ranging intelligence effort and investigation, the security forces have apprehended the reprehensible terrorist who carried out the double bombing in Jerusalem. I closely monitored this complex investigation and was updated on its specifics. I commend the ISA, the Israel Police, the IDF and all the security forces for their investigation that led to the apprehending of this terrorist.
Just as we pledged, we found him. Israel will find every terrorist who attacks our citizens and will deal with them to the fullest extent of the law.
The fight against terrorism continues around the clock. During the investigation an additional suspect was arrested, who is not involved in this attack but planned to carry out an additional attack in the capital, thereby saving the lives of Israeli citizens.
We will continue to fight terrorism and deal with terrorists and those who dispatch them to the fullest extent of the law. The State of Israel will do its utmost to deliver security for its citizens.
I send condolences, on my behalf and on behalf of the Government of Israel, to the families of young Aryeh Shechopek and Tadasa Tashume, who were murdered in the double bombing, may their memories be for a blessing.”
Baruch Yedid contributed to this report.
