24 Years Later: Stolen Tractor from Kibbutz Gat Recovered Near Qalqilya

In a surprising turn of events, a tractor stolen over two decades ago has finally been located and is on its way to being returned to its rightful owners. The vehicle, originally taken from Kibbutz Gat in southern Israel in 2001, was found recently in operational use in the village of Az-Zawiya, located near Qalqilya in Samaria.

The recovery came as a result of intelligence gathered by the Central Unit of the Border Police’s Central District. Acting on the tip, fighters from the Ephraim Battalion conducted targeted operations in the area. After extensive searches, they located the stolen tractor, which had been in use despite being reported missing nearly 24 years ago.

During the operation, a man in his 60s from the village of Biddya in Samaria was arrested. Authorities suspect he was knowingly in possession of the stolen vehicle. The tractor was thoroughly examined, and its identification confirmed that it had been stolen in 2001, marking the resolution of a cold case that had long remained open.

Police investigators have since brought the suspect in for questioning at the Central Unit of Border Police in the Central District. Further legal proceedings will determine the outcome for the suspect. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to return the vehicle to Kibbutz Gat, restoring property that had been missing for nearly a quarter of a century.

Law enforcement officials highlighted this case as a testament to their ongoing commitment to recover stolen property regardless of how much time has passed. Utilizing a combination of advanced technological tools and human intelligence, the Border Police emphasized their focus on protecting property rights and resolving long-standing theft cases, even years after initial reports.

This recovery offers a rare but meaningful moment of closure for the victims of theft and reinforces the message that no case is ever too old to be solved.