Terrorist Ahmed Abu al-Rov, who was responsible for killing 68-year-old Shimshon Mordechai and 18-year-old Aviv Maor on Friday, was released from Emek Medical Center in Afula on Saturday, and was then taken into custody and is being investigated further.

A demonstration took place on Friday at the hospital, demanding that the terrorist not receive medical treatment. The activists were affiliated with the right-wing "La Familia" group.

"It is impossible for a terrorist who murdered civilians to receive treatment in an Israeli hospital," said one of the social media posts calling for the protest to take place.

The activists aimed to enter the hospital and demand that the terrorists' hospitalization be terminated.

Police and Shin Bet also announced Saturday in a joint statement that two brothers of Abu al-Rov, aged 30 and 33, were also arrested in a Friday night operation, and were also transferred for questioning. Police had also said that there were indications that the two brothers were working to conceal their location. Israeli forces raided a building near Arraba and arrested them.

A 16-year-old who was wounded from Friday's attack was also treated at Emek Medical Center. He is hospitalized in the pediatric ward in light condition. He was wounded in Beit She'an after being rammed by a vehicle used by Abu al-Rov.

Police apprehend terrorist who murdered two in combined terror attack, December 26, 2025.
Police apprehend terrorist who murdered two in combined terror attack, December 26, 2025. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

In a similar incident after October 7, 2023, demonstrators from "La Familia" entered the Sheba Medical Center after rumors of Hamas terrorists being treated at the hospital.

Terrorist kills two people in northern Israel

Abu al-Rov's terror attack began on Friday, when he first killed Mordechai by running him over near Beit She'an. He later fled the scene by car, only stopping to stab Maor, who was on Route 71.

The terrorist continued driving before being shot outside of Afula and was taken for treatment in moderate condition.

Another man, 37, was injured and taken to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, suffering from a head injury.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment of the incident alongside other Israeli military officials. The IDF stated that "This terrorist attack underscores the responsibility of the IDF to learn, draw lessons, and strengthen the defense of Israel’s civilians.

"This period is characterized by lone attackers and individuals staying illegally in the area. Enforcement against those who transport and employ them must be strengthened and improved."

Tzvi Jasper and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.