An indictment was filed Saturday against Muhammad Salehab, an East Jerusalem resident, for selling an M16 rifle to Rashid Rishak, a Hamas operative released in the hostage deal who previously plotted to assassinate Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Salehab allegedly knew of Rishak's criminal and Hamas ties, and also agreed to teach him how to produce explosives. The sale netted Salehab 3,000 shekels, according to The Zioneer.
The indictment, reported by The Zioneer's Intelligence Desk, details an alleged weapons supply chain linking a resident of East Jerusalem to a high-profile Hamas operative. Rashid Rishak was convicted at age 15 for involvement in a stabbing attack, later for planning attacks on police officers on the Temple Mount, and subsequently headed a cell that plotted to assassinate Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, carry out a suicide bombing at the Jerusalem Flag March, and kidnap soldiers. He was sentenced to nearly 14 years but released in January 2025 as part of the hostage deal.
According to the indictment, Salehab sold Rishak an M16 rifle for 3,000 shekels despite knowing his background and Hamas affiliation. Rishak also asked Salehab to teach him to produce explosives, to which Salehab agreed. After the sale, Rishak attempted to purchase a handgun and another rifle, but the deals fell through due to lack of funds.
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal weapons trafficking within Israel and the threat posed by individuals released in the hostage framework. The Zioneer has previously reported on several indictments involving the sale of weapons to Hamas operatives, underscoring the scale of the phenomenon.
2 developments
- StrongBen Gvir: 'I will not be deterred' after Nazareth man arrested for plotting attack on minister
- StrongBen-Gvir thanks police for arresting east Jerusalem terrorist who threatened to kill him
- StrongThree Israeli Arabs charged with selling weapons to Kokhav Ya'ir attacker
- DevelopingBen Gvir gives Netanyahu ultimatum: Dismiss Attorney General as condition for government
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