Jerusalem, 1 March, 2023 (TPS) — Israeli security forces announced on Wednesday the arrest of two Palestinian terrorists suspected of killing American-Israeli citizen Elan Ganeles. The announcement came as thousands of Israelis gathered in the city of Ra’anana for the funeral.
The 27-year-old Ganeles, from West Hartford, Connecticut, was killed when Palestinians in a car opened fire on cars at the Beit HaArava Junction on Route 90 near Jericho. Ganeles was declared dead shortly after arriving at a hospital in Jerusalem.
The announcement said that suspects, who were not named, were arrested in the Aqbat Jabr Refugee Camp. The UN-administered camp is located near Jericho. One of the terrorists was injured in an unsuccessful attempt to escape.
Palestinian reports said four people from the same were arrested, identifying them as Maher, Muhammad, Amer and Saleh Shaloun.
The suspects were handed over to the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) for interrogation.
“I salute the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet for locating the terrorists in a short time and carrying out a precise operation,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Anyone who tries to hurt us – his blood on his head.”
Ganeles is survived by his parents and two brothers. After the funeral, the family will return to Hartford for “shiva,” a week-long mourning period.
