Criminal9/18/2026

Detention of Suspect in Fatal Hadera Ramming Extended by Five Days

The Haifa Magistrate's Court ordered Mahmoud Samhat, 21, who is suspected of running over 17-year-old Amichai Atiya, to remain in detention until Tuesday. Police ruled out a nationalist motive but are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the teenager's death and the shooting that followed the ramming.

Key facts

•Suspect: Mahmoud Samhat, 21
•Deceased: Amichai Atiya, 17
•Court: Haifa Magistrate's Court
•The detention was extended by five days, until Tuesday
•Police ruled out a nationalist motive
•The case number and exact date of the hearing were not specified in the source

What Happened

In the early morning hours, in the parking lot of the “Mul HaHof Village” shopping complex in Hadera, a car struck Amichai Atiya, a 17-year-old yeshiva student from Itamar. The teenager was taken to Hillel Yaffe Hospital in critical condition after prolonged resuscitation efforts, but he was later pronounced dead. The investigation was transferred to the central unit of the Menashe Police District.

What the Driver Is Suspected Of

Police suspect Mahmoud Samhat, 21, from Kafr Manda, of causing death by negligent driving, dangerous driving, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury or death, and endangering human life on a transportation route. The investigative team requested that his detention be extended by seven days, citing the danger he posed and concern that the investigation could be obstructed. With the consent of defense attorney Yosef Shalabi, Judge Ayelet HaShahar Biton-Perla ordered the suspect to remain in detention until Tuesday—for five days.

The Defense's Account and the Shooting

Samhat claims that he arrived at the shopping complex for work, was attacked, and tried to escape. After the ramming, armed individuals opened fire at him. According to police, they were carrying their weapons legally and believed he was a terrorist; Samhat was wounded. These individuals were questioned but were not arrested. The defense claims that the suspect was fleeing an attack, but police are still examining the testimonies and video footage.

Why the Investigation Is Continuing

The incident was initially viewed as a possible terrorist attack, but police announced that a nationalist motive had been ruled out. Investigators are examining the incident in the context of a confrontation involving several people and intend to collect additional testimony. The decision to extend the detention does not determine Samhat's guilt; rather, it allows investigative actions to continue while he remains in detention.

What this means for you

Extending the detention at the investigative stage means that the court found it necessary to keep the suspect in detention temporarily, in view of the risks identified by police and the investigative actions that have not yet been completed. This is not a conviction: the accounts given by the suspect, eyewitnesses, and police are still being examined, and the final charges are not specified in the source.

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Case analysis based on court rulings