He was convicted of activities that led to the deaths of IDF soldiers and the injury of others and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
In January 2005, he participated in the plann...
He was convicted of activities that led to the deaths of IDF soldiers and the injury of others and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
In January 2005, he participated in the planning and execution of an attack at the Tapuah Junction, where a terrorist cell placed a stop sign to halt an Israeli vehicle. Two of the terrorists dressed in IDF uniforms and fired at soldiers with M16 rifles, while Arafat served as a lookout. In the attack, Staff Sergeant Yossi Atiya was killed on the spot, and Second Lieutenant Ariel Boda was severely injured and succumbed to his wounds nine months later.
He was also involved in a 2007 shooting in which an IDF soldier was seriously injured at the Ariel Junction and in other incidents that caused injuries to civilians and soldiers.
Just before sentencing, Arafat declared that he did not recognize the State of Israel and called it a "occupying state."
He was released from prison on January 25, 2025, after 17 years of imprisonment, as part of the second phase of the hostage deal.
A list of security prisoners and detainees designated for release as part of the hostage release deal, published on January 17, 2025 by the Israeli Ministry of Justice.