Leader of Terror Cell That Kidnapped and Killed Israeli Teens Indicted in Military Court
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The leader of the terrorist cell that that kidnapped and killed three Israeli teenagers in June was indicted in a military court.
Hussam Kawasme of Hebron was arrested on July 11, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Gilad Shaar, Eyal Yifrach, and dual Israeli-American citizen Naftali Fraenkel, while attempting to flee to Jordan under a false identity with the help of his family.
Kawasme reportedly admitted to serving as the leader of the cell that perpetrated the murders and said that funding for the attack, which he used to buy weapons, came from Hamas in Gaza.
According to the indictment, Kawasme used the money from Hamas in Gaza, procured through his brother Mohamad, who was freed in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and deported to Gaza, to buy the car used in the kidnapping, as well as four firearms.
In his interrogation, Kawasme said he helped bury the bodies on a plot of land he had purchased two months prior to the murders. He then helped the two men who drove the car and shot the teens hide.
Security forces are still searching for the two men — Kawasme’s brother, Marwan, and Omar Abu Aysha. The bodies of the three teens were discovered following a massive search on June 30 in a shallow grave in a field near Hebron, 18 days after they were kidnapped and murdered.
Hussam Kawasme served six years in an Israeli prison for his involvement in Hamas terror attacks.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
