What’s happening:

An internal document has disclosed that Israel Police’s forensic labs are struggling to gather forensic evidence such as fingerprints from metal surfaces, which are crucial in prosecuting Hamas terrorists.

Why it matters:

The inability to extract such forensic evidence from items like knives and bullet casings is a significant obstacle in legal proceedings against terrorists responsible for atrocities, including a recent attack at the Nova Music Festival. This could potentially hinder the administration of justice and the fight against terrorism.

By the numbers:

The Lahav 433 unit, also known as the Israeli FBI, has collected over 700 testimonies and tens of thousands of videos documenting the terror attacks, making it one of the most extensive investigations in Israeli history.

Between the lines:

The forensic labs have been particularly challenged by extracting evidence from bullet casings and metal surfaces, with current methods having near-zero success rates. This has led to outreach to foreign labs and a British manufacturer for advanced forensic equipment.

What they’re saying:

Police sources report that the captured terrorists revealed they had been trained for years and received religious approval to commit heinous acts, including targeting children. They intended to spread fear and had plans to reach central Israel, which were not executed.

The big picture:

Improving forensic capabilities is essential for Israel’s counter-terrorism efforts. The procurement of advanced forensic technology is a step towards enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations and ensuring that perpetrators of terrorism are brought to justice.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.