Shalom Har-Melech, the husband of Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech, was killed in a drive-by terror attack in 2003 by Hamas terrorist Farah Hamed. Today, The Jerusalem Post reports that Hamed has been eliminated in an IDF counterterror strike in Gaza. The same series of strikes also took out three hidden weapons facilities.
Hamed, who killed Shalom Har-Melech in a drive-by shooting, was released from prison in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, in which Israel freed 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held captive in Gaza for over five years.
Limor, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was critically injured in the attack but survived, giving birth to their daughter shortly after via emergency C-section.
“Another circle closed!” wrote Limor in a post on X/Twitter.
“Let every terrorist who murders Jews know: even if he is released, even if he flees, and even if many years pass, the long arm of the people of Israel will reach him. Thank you to the IDF fighters and the security forces who closed an important and painful circle today. May the memory of Shuli and all the Silwad murder victims be blessed.”
The destruction of three Hamas weapons storage facilities was jointly confirmed by the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency). The military says they contained firearms, explosives, anti-tank missiles, and additional equipment.
The IDF also carried out strikes in southern Lebanon around the same time, as the Ali Taher Ridge remains a hub of Hezbollah activity. Forces have been working to clear an underground tunnel system in the area where terror operatives are said to be holed up. After achieving operational control above ground, the IDF moved underground this week, eliminating more terrorists.
Troops not only found weapons in the tunnels but also living quarters equipped with generators, bathrooms, and kitchens—indicating that the operatives were planning to remain there for some time.
Many of the brave men and women of the IDF will spend the Jewish New Year tomorrow in the field and away from their families. The Fellowship and our supporters send them our steadfast prayers and assure them they are not alone.