Attorney Denies Terror Intent for Teen Arrested Near Wadi Ara
The defense attorney of a 17-year-old minor arrested after triggering a security alert near Wadi Ara denies any terrorist motives, attributing the incident to a personal crisis and emotional distress.
A 17-and-a-half-year-old minor from the village of Muawiya, who triggered a massive security alert near Wadi Ara, had no intention of carrying out a terrorist attack, according to his defense attorney, Od Nour Abu Asal. The teenager was arrested last Friday following hours of intensive searches sparked by reports of a masked, armed individual near Kafr Kara.
Defense Claims Personal Crisis
Speaking to N12, the defense attorney rejected initial assessments that the incident was security-related. According to the version presented by his representatives, the minor had been suffering from emotional distress following a family dispute regarding his desire to leave the village. The teen reportedly stated that he has not felt safe since being struck by stray gunfire several years ago.
I love Israel, even my phone has the Israeli flag on it. I have no intention of hurting anyone, I just want help, the teenager reportedly told his associates.
The Discovery of the Weapon
According to the defense, the suspect was walking in a grove under the influence of cannabis when he stumbled upon an M16 rifle hidden in the dirt. He allegedly picked up the weapon, believed it might belong to the military, and placed it back down before walking toward Kafr Kara.
Abu Asal also denied early reports that the suspect wore military fatigues and a face covering, clarifying that the youth was wearing a standard nylon windbreaker common among local teenagers. The investigation into the circumstances of the weapon and the incident remains ongoing.
