Israel submits landmark suit against terrorist’s estate

Israel is taking a new approach to its war on terrorism, hitting a terrorist financially, even after his death.

Last month, the Jerusalem District Attorney submitted a landmark NIS eight million suit against the widow and children of Fadi al-Qunbar, a terrorist who murdered four IDF soldiers and wounded 15 in a ramming attack at Armon Hanatziv in January.

The four victims were Lt. Yael Yekutiel, 20, from Givatayim; Shir Hajaj, 22, from Ma’aleh Adumim; Shira Tzur, 20, from Haifa, and Erez Orbach, 20, from Alon Shvut.

Israel National News reported on Sunday that the suit is against Qunbar’s estate for the damages that the attack he committed caused to the state, including the cost of establishing memorial plaques for the soldiers, the payments to their families, and even burial costs. The estimated cost for each victim is NIS two million.

Kunbar’s widow and four children, who are the beneficiaries of Kunbar’s estate, could be affected by the suit.

The prosecutor intends to submit a series of similar suits against the families of other terrorists, another step taken by Israel in an attempt to deter potential terrorists by causing significant financial harm to terrorist families after their attacks, similar to the demolition of the terrorists’ homes.

The prosecution confirmed that another claim had already been made against another terrorist, and another claim will be submitted in the coming days.

The left-wing “Center for Defense of the Individual” which provides legal representation to families of terrorists, attacked the action taken by the state, claiming that “it is legal, but is definitely wicked, vengeful, and ugly.”

INN reported that the prosecutor rejected the criticism and stated that the goal of the suit is to restore the expenses involved in such terror acts, while conveying a clear message that Israel will prosecute all those who perpetrate acts of terror, including filing civil suits against them.

By: World Israel News Staff