Slain IDF soldier Ron Kokia. Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Office

JNS.org – Israeli security forces arrested two Bedouin residents of the Negev desert on suspicion of involvement in the murder of IDF Nahal Brigade Sgt. Ron Yitzhak Kokai, who was stabbed to death in the southern city of Arad last Thursday.

The Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police collaborated on the investigation. The suspects reportedly admitted to the murder and disclosed information that led authorities to recover the Israeli soldier’s weapon, which the suspects stole after stabbing him.

“The murder of Sgt. Ron Yitzhak Kokai proves once again that there is a need to instate the death penalty for terrorists,” Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.

“I congratulate security forces for getting their hands on the soldier’s murderers in a quick and precise operation. We will continue to act in the spirit of the resonant words of Sgt. Kokai’s father, as personal and national security are at the heart of our national strength,” Lieberman added.

The heads of the Bedouin communities in the Negev met Tuesday with Arad Mayor Nissan Hemo and condemned the murder.