Major breakthrough expected in Itamar murders probe

Security officials set to give updates on new developments in investigation of Fogel murders after arrest of several suspects in recent weeks.

Itamar 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Itamar 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A major breakthrough in the investigation of the Fogel family murders was expected Sunday, according to Israeli security officials.
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz met with the surviving children of the Fogel family on Friday and updated them on developments in the investigation.
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Since the murders over a month ago, the IDF and Shin Bet have arrested several residents of the Awarta village, located in the West Bank near Itamar. Some suspects were released following a brief probe, but others were still being investigated.
Investigations so far have revealed that the killers climbed an electronic fence surrounding Itamar, and they entered and escaped from the settlement through the same route.
The fence apparently alerted local security officials of the break-in, but after nothing unusual was spotted, authorities decided not to do anything.
Evidence has revealed that the murderers could have escaped to Awarta and that they acted alone without any connection to terrorist organizations.