Criminal8/24/2026

Preparations to Indict the Suspect in the Murder of Attorney Arbel Feldman

Police filed a prosecutor's declaration in the case of Ahmad al-Rajoub, who is suspected of the premeditated murder of attorney Arbel Feldman, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice. The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court extended his detention until August 27, but as of the hearing described, no indictment had been filed.

Key facts

•Suspect: Ahmad al-Rajoub
•Deceased: Attorney Arbel Feldman
•Court: Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court
•Date of the killing: August 4
•Detention extended until August 27
•The case number and year of the events are not stated in the source

The Investigation's Account

Arbel Feldman was killed on August 4 inside his office. According to the police account, al-Rajoub arrived at the scene carrying a weapon, went up to the floor where the office was located, and shot the attorney several times before driving south. Police believe the suspect disposed of the weapon and mobile phone along the way, but neither item has yet been found.

Dispute Over the Confession

Al-Rajoub later arrived at a police unit in the Ashdod District and turned himself in after consulting his wife and an attorney. Police claim that when he surrendered, he implicated himself in the murder and confessed to it, but defense attorney Oren Sasson denies this. The alleged initial confession was not recorded on video because the investigators at the scene did not have body cameras; in a subsequent attempt to document his statement, the suspect did not repeat those remarks and then exercised his right to remain silent.

The Prosecution and Defense Positions

Investigators and the prosecution believe that the material gathered is sufficient to establish an evidentiary basis even without the weapon and phone. The defense claims there is no evidence that al-Rajoub was the person who destroyed or concealed the two items. The attorney also requested that his client be referred for an examination by a physician from the mental health services following threats to harm himself or another person inside the detention cell.

The Court's Decision

After the prosecutor's declaration was filed, police requested a four-day extension of detention. Judge Nir Gantscharsky granted the request and kept al-Rajoub in detention until August 27, finding that there was a prima facie evidentiary basis justifying continued detention. The main investigation has concluded, but police are awaiting the final autopsy report and the laboratory's digital findings; an indictment and a request for detention until the end of proceedings may then be filed.

What this means for you

A prosecutor's declaration means that the prosecution intends to file an indictment in the near future, but it does not in itself constitute a charge or establish guilt. At this stage, the court examines whether there is a prima facie evidentiary basis justifying continued detention; a final assessment of the evidence will be possible only within the criminal proceedings to be conducted later.

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Case analysis based on court rulings