A chilling indictment was filed this morning (Monday) against Ibrahim Shalhub, the terrorist who brutally murdered 83-year-old Ludmila Lipovsky in a stabbing attack at a shopping center in Herzliya late last month. Shalhub, 28, a resident of Tulkarem and a former Shin Bet informant, faces charges of aggravated murder, committing an act of terrorism, and illegal possession of a knife.
Knife Purchased, Location Scouted
According to the indictment, Shalhub ceased cooperation with Shin Bet and moved to reside in Israel, severing ties with his family. Motivated by nationalist ideology, he purchased a long knife at a Herzliya store two days before the attack. The next day, armed with the knife, he searched for a “suitable” location near the shopping center to carry out his plan.
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On December 27, Shalhub spotted Ludmila Lipovsky, who had exited her assisted living residence and was waiting for her daughter. He attacked her with the knife, stabbing her at least 11 times in the upper body and abdomen, with the intent to kill. During the attack, he shouted “Allahu Akbar” and prayed in Arabic.
The brutal assault ended when two security guards intervened, shooting and neutralizing Shalhub. Despite being incapacitated, he attempted to attack the guards but was unsuccessful.
Prosecution: “His Actions Render Further Evidence of Danger Unnecessary”
Alongside the indictment, the prosecution requested that Shalhub remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings. The request emphasized that the defendant committed a deadly terrorist act—a security offense punishable by life imprisonment—characterized by severe violence and brutality. The prosecution argued that his murderous actions leave no doubt about the threat he poses, making additional evidence of his danger unnecessary.
A Shin Bet Informant Turned Terrorist
The Shin Bet confirmed that Shalhub had previously served as an informant for Israeli security forces, helping to dismantle terror infrastructure in the West Bank. After his role was exposed, he was relocated to Israel for rehabilitation.
The agency noted that Shalhub had been subject to three prior administrative detentions, the most recent ending in June 2024 due to medical reasons. He was under surveillance and investigation until two weeks before the attack.
This case marks the first instance in Israel where a former informant who was rehabilitated later carried out a terrorist attack. The Shin Bet stressed that such incidents are exceedingly rare.