Police Near Breakthrough in Netanya Convenience Store Murder Investigation

The investigation into the murder of Alexander Tzemach, who was shot dead in a convenience store in Netanya, is nearing a breakthrough, according to police. Investigators state they have mapped out the precise role of each of the five suspects arrested in connection with the case, identifying the gunman, the getaway driver, and the mastermind behind the meticulously planned killing.

The murder took place on the evening of May 13, 2026, at a Yellow convenience store inside a gas station in Netanya. According to the investigation, a masked assailant entered the establishment, drew a handgun, and shot Tzemach at point-blank range before fleeing on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice waiting outside. Tragically, it was Tzemach's very first day on the job. Paramedics from Magen David Adom pronounced him dead at the scene.

Security footage captured the gunman opening fire with several rounds in front of startled customers. A source close to the investigation emphasized that the assassination was entirely premeditated rather than a spontaneous act or a case of mistaken identity, driven instead by a trivial dispute.

Among the five detained suspects are known criminal figures Pakadu Gievto and Alik Ben, who are also facing separate charges at the Tel Aviv District Court for a shooting incident directed at a rival. During a recent remand hearing for Gievto at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, police representatives stated that the suspect operated at the very core of the conspiracy. In recent days, investigators deployed advanced technological methods, including covert wiretaps and undercover surveillance operations in holding cells and transport vehicles, capturing incriminating conversations among the suspects as the five-month probe nears completion.