IDF kills terror mastermind behind attack that killed 16 civilians, injured 100

Israeli security forces confirm that Basel al-Haimoni, the mastermind behind a double suicide bombing attack in southern Israel in 2004, was killed in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

A Hamas terrorist who orchestrated a double-suicide bombing attack in southern Israel nearly 22 years ago was killed in an IDF airstrike in the Gaza Strip last week, Israeli security forces announced Wednesday.

The airstrike was carried out on February 5, eliminating Basel al-Haimoni.

While reports from the Gaza Strip announced last week that al-Haimoni was killed in the strike, Israel only confirmed his identity.

The Shin Bet security agency and the IDF issued a joint statement confirming al-Haimoni’s killing.

Born in Hebron, al-Haimoni was a high-ranking Hamas operative who took part in attacks on Israel during the Second Intifada.

In 2004, al-Haimoni commanded a terrorist cell that carried out a double-suicide bombing attack on a pair of buses in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba.

According to the Shin Bet and IDF, al-Haimoni orchestrated the plot, sending the two suicide bombers to carry out the attack.

The two suicide bombers killed 16 civilians in the August 2004 attack and injured more than 100 people.

Two months later, al-Haimoni was captured in a joint operation of the IDF and the Shin Bet.

While he was sentenced to life in prison, al-Haimoni was released in 2011 as part of the deal securing the release of Gilad Shalit, an IDF soldier who was abducted by Hamas terrorists who infiltrated into Israel in 2006.

As part of the deal, al-Haimoni was deported to the Gaza Strip.

Following his release, al-Haimoni resumed his activities with Hamas, recruiting terrorists and directing attacks, the IDF and Shin Bet said.

“As part of his role in Hamas, during the war he was involved in manufacturing and planting explosive devices targeting our forces. His elimination constitutes an important and meaningful closing of the circle.”