Tel Sheva Council Head Released from Custody Amid Bribery Probe
On September 10, 2026, the Magistrate's Court in Petah Tikva released Omar Zaal Al-Assam, the head of the Tel Sheva municipality, from custody after 10 days of detention. Al-Assam is suspected of bribery, bid rigging, fraud, and fictitious employment. Investigators from Lahav 433 sought to suspend the release decision to file an official appeal, according to Ynet. Al-Assam's brother, also detained in the same investigation, was released alongside him. However, the city treasurer remains in custody.
The administrative case has generated significant public attention. Al-Assam's lawyer, Maor Segev, stated that "after reviewing all the investigation materials, the bribery charge has fallen apart, and the charge of violating election integrity, which does not exist, has also fallen apart." Law enforcement agencies are continuing legal procedures to contest the court's decision to release the mayor.
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