"A disgraceful sum": Attorney Arbel Feldman allegedly murdered over 15,000 shekels
Police claim that suspicions against 23-year-old Ahmad Al-Rajoub, arrested for the murder of attorney Arbel Feldman, have strengthened. Investigators report having evidence regarding the motive, planning, and execution of the crime. The defense has raised questions about the suspect's mental fitness, and his detention has been extended by nine days.
A financial dispute of just 15,000 shekels is, according to police, the motive behind the murder of attorney Arbel Feldman in his Rishon LeZion office. Two weeks after the incident, 23-year-old Ramle resident Ahmad Al-Rajoub remains in custody. Today, Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court Judge Oshrat Huber-Hayman extended his detention by nine additional days.
Police representative Chief Sergeant Hatem Darwish described the incident as "extremely grave." According to the investigation, the suspect arrived at the attorney's office with a clear intent, committed the murder, and fled to the Ashdod train station, where he was apprehended. Following consultation with his counsel, Al-Rajoub has exercised his right to remain silent.
Police stated that since the last detention hearing, approximately 50 investigative actions have been completed, including witness interviews, CCTV analysis, and forensic work. "The investigative unit has reasonable suspicion regarding the motive, planning, and execution," the police representative stated, adding that an innocent life was taken over a "disgraceful sum of 15,000 shekels."
Defense attorneys Oren Sasson and Moshe Yamin criticized the investigation's progress, noting that the suspect had not been re-interrogated during the previous 12-day detention period, nor had the evidence been presented to him. The defense also raised concerns regarding Al-Rajoub's mental state, arguing that "a sane person does not commit murder for 15,000 shekels" and suggesting he may be unfit to stand trial. The defense agreed to a limited extension of detention while requesting that the court order further questioning.
Judge Huber-Hayman determined that while suspicions against Al-Rajoub have strengthened, she only partially granted the police request for a 15-day extension, ordering a nine-day remand instead. The judge emphasized the necessity of maintaining judicial oversight over the investigation's progress.
