Smuggler Ordered to Pay 105,000 Shekels for Military Helicopter Evacuation
A convicted weapons smuggler from Kuseife has been ordered to pay the state 105,000 shekels to cover his emergency military helicopter evacuation following a border chase.
A resident of Kuseife convicted of weapons smuggling has been ordered by the court to reimburse the state approximately 105,000 shekels for the cost of his emergency helicopter evacuation.
The Smuggling Attempt and Pursuit
Hasan al-Maabda and several accomplices were targeted by law enforcement near the eastern border with Jordan while allegedly waiting to receive a smuggled weapons shipment. Security forces intercepted most of the suspects, but al-Maabda attempted to flee in his vehicle.
During the high-speed pursuit, security forces pursued the suspect until his vehicle became stuck. He then attempted to escape on foot before being apprehended. During the operation, security personnel opened fire, injuring al-Maabda in the leg.
Conviction and Evacuation Costs
Al-Maabda was critically injured and required an emergency evacuation by an Air Force helicopter to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, alongside an IDF soldier who was also injured during the operation. He was subsequently convicted under a plea bargain of arms trafficking and obstructing a police officer, receiving a sentence of seven and a half years in prison.
The Ministry of Defense and the Southern District Prosecutor's Office filed a civil suit demanding that al-Maabda cover the 105,000 shekel evacuation cost, legal fees, and expenses related to his negligent actions that forced the military intervention.
"The defendant's actions constitute a breach of the duty of care and negligence, operating in a manner no reasonable person would," stated attorney Gali Zimmerman Haddad from the Southern District Prosecutor's Office.
