Businessman Shot Dead in Taybeh After Lured to Meeting

Ra'ad Haj Yahya, a businessman from Taybeh, was shot and killed in his car on Thursday evening near his home. His vehicle was riddled with numerous bullets. Emergency medical teams attempted resuscitation at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Initial police reports indicate that the perpetrators contacted the victim by phone, requesting a meeting using a "Little Red Riding Hood" tactic, where they lured him out under false pretenses. As he drove out in his car, they fired approximately 13 bullets at close range, killing him.

Paramedics described finding the victim unconscious in his vehicle, without a pulse or breathing, suffering from penetrating wounds. They performed advanced resuscitation efforts, including administering medication and controlling bleeding, and transported him while continuing efforts, but his condition was critical.

A relative of the victim, Jihad Balam, told Ynet that Haj Yahya was a quiet and peaceful man, married with three sons, and the family's breadwinner. Balam believes the motive was likely financial, as the victim had recently experienced economic difficulties, though he stressed that nothing justifies murder. He added that Haj Yahya was not involved in violence or drugs and had good relations with everyone.

This incident brings the number of people murdered in the Arab community in Israel to 170 since the beginning of the year. Police have opened an investigation into the shooting.