Nashat Melhem’s father arrived at the Haifa Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon after another family member was arrested for helping the terrorist conduct a fatal shooting at a Tel Aviv pub. 

Melhem murdered Alon Bakal (26) and Shimon Ruimi (30) in the Friday attack on Dizengoff Street before fleeing north, and likely also killing taxi driver Amin Shaban. He remains on the loose. 

At the court, Mohammed Melhem said the last time he saw his son was around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, the day before the shooting. “We spoke normally and I didn’t feel he was planning something.”

Melhem urged his son to turn himself in to authorities. “Call me. Maybe I can help you. If you can’t do that, then ask one of your friends. Don’t stay outside; turn yourself in.”

“Every time there is a terror attack in the country, I am scared and think it’s my son,” Melhem continued. “We want peace and quiet. I’ve had some difficult days and I don’t know when it will end.”

“I respect the actions the police and security forces have taken, but don’t harm the family who has no connection,” he added. “Together we can achieve results about my son.”

“I condemn the incident, and offer condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Melhem concluded.

As the manhunt for Melhem continues, Israeli security officials have widened the net and requested help from the Palestinian Authority (PA) with regard to his whereabouts. 

Israeli security forces reason Melhem may have not only left the greater Tel Aviv area, but also has left Israeli controlled territory and possibly entered the PA.