Criminal8/30/2026

Rahat Doctor Charged With Transporting a Weapon After Police Chase

The Northern District Attorney's Office filed an indictment against Sami Khalil Matalka, 29, following a chase in the Lower Galilee. According to the indictment, the parts and ammunition found in his possession match an M-16 rifle found on the road.

Key facts

•Defendant: Sami Khalil Matalka, 29, a resident of Rahat
•Court: Nazareth District Court
•Case number: Not stated in the source
•Date the indictment was filed: Not stated in the source
•Charge: Transporting a weapon and related offenses
•Type of weapon seized: M-16

What Happened

As reported by Ynet, police set up a temporary roadblock near Hamovil Interchange. Matalka's car was spotted on the shoulder: according to the police account, the driver tried to bypass the traffic jam, and after being ordered to stop, continued driving, bypassed the roadblock and collided with a police patrol car during the chase.

The Weapon and Laboratory Findings

Police allege that after the car was stopped, the defendant threw away a bag. It contained a coupled magazine loaded with M-16 rounds, while another coupled magazine, a bolt mechanism and a charging handle were found in the car. At the same time, a Lower Galilee resident reported a bag containing an M-16 found on the road; the Israel Police National Headquarters laboratory in Jerusalem determined a complete match between the rifle and the parts found in the defendant's possession.

What He Is Charged With

The indictment charges Matalka with transporting a weapon, obstruction of justice, interfering with a police officer and reckless driving. The case is expected to be heard in the Nazareth District Court. The case number, the date the indictment was filed and the specific statutory provisions were not stated in the source.

The Defendant's Position

Matalka denied the charges filed against him. His attorney, Adel Bouirat, stated that his client denies every count in the indictment and is a law-abiding citizen. The source does not report a judicial ruling on the merits of the case.

What this means for you

Filing an indictment initiates criminal proceedings but does not prove the defendant's guilt. In cases of this kind, significance may attach not only to items found directly in the car, but also to the laboratory-confirmed link to a weapon found separately. The court will determine the outcome and any potential sentence.

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Case analysis based on court rulings