Arab Woman Lived 20 Years Under Stolen Israeli ID

Police and the National Insurance Institute have uncovered what investigators describe as one of the longest-running identity fraud cases in Israeli history, involving a couple from Halhul who allegedly lived for more than two decades under a stolen Israeli identity and received more than NIS 1 million from state funds.

The case, dubbed “Borrowed Identity,” is expected to lead to indictments by the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office against the couple later Wednesday.

According to investigators from the Judea and Samaria District’s Hetz Yehuda unit and the National Insurance Institute’s investigations and intelligence division, the couple used the identity of an Israeli citizen named Aida, who relatives said had died as an infant at 40 days old.

Police say the main suspect, a 57-year-old Arab from Halhul, married Suha, now 43, more than 20 years ago. The couple then allegedly divorced on paper as part of the fraud. He later registered as married to Aida, an Israeli citizen from Arara whom he had allegedly never met. Investigators say Aida’s identity was then assumed by Suha, allowing the couple to create an Israeli legal identity and receive state benefits.

The false identity allegedly enabled the husband to obtain a residency permit through family reunification, live at times in Rahat, expand the family, receive public funds and establish businesses, including a transportation company and a beauty salon. At the same time, the couple also maintained a home in Halhul, where Suha was known by her real name.

The investigation began covertly in late 2025 after authorities received indications of long-term fraud and impersonation. When the case moved into its public phase in April, police described it as the longest known case of false identity use in Israel’s 78-year history.

During questioning, Suha initially denied the allegations and insisted her name was Aida. Investigators then collected DNA samples from her and her biological mother. Police forensic lab results confirmed that the woman claiming to be Aida was in fact Suha.

After the DNA results, police say, she described how the scheme began when she was 17. According to investigators, her husband took her and another woman, believed to be Aida’s mother, to an Interior Ministry office in southern Israel, where she obtained an Israeli ID card under Aida’s name.

National Insurance investigators estimate the fraud cost the state more than NIS 1 million. Aida’s mother allegedly continued receiving National Insurance payments after the infant’s death, totaling around NIS 500,000.

Following the investigation, the National Insurance Institute revoked Suha’s residency status and that of her minor children. Police also seized the couple’s vehicles for possible forfeiture.

A Jerusalem court rejected the couple’s appeal against their detention, saying the alleged fraud showed authorities could not trust them.