Teenager Killed in Hit-and-Run After Altercation in Hadera

A 17-year-old boy, Amihai Atiya from the settlement of Itamar, was killed in Hadera on Friday after being struck by a commercial vehicle following an altercation. The incident began when a group of youths, attending a "Slichot" (atonement prayers) event at the "Village" shopping complex, clashed with the driver of a commercial vehicle who had arrived to unload goods. The driver, a resident of Kafr Mandi in the Lower Galilee, reportedly got into his vehicle and drove into Atiya while attempting to flee the scene.

In response to the incident, a member of a local security team, initially suspecting a nationalistically motivated attack, opened fire on the driver, wounding him lightly. The Shin Bet was initially involved in the investigation but withdrew after a nationalistic motive was ruled out. The driver was apprehended shortly after near the Shfayim police station. During his interrogation, he claimed he feared for his life and was trying to escape, stating he was unaware he had hit anyone and only heard shouting and gunfire.

The police are treating the incident as criminal, charging the driver with hit-and-run, and intend to request an extension of his detention. Atiya, a twelfth-grade student at Yeshivat Hitzim, was part of a group from his school participating in a Slichot tour organized by Yeshivat Olga and the Hadera municipality. He was in the parking area when he was struck and fatally injured.

Atiya is survived by five siblings, including a twin brother. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan expressed shock and grief, offering condolences to the family and community. The victim's aunt, Livna Esther, stated the family had not yet received full details of the incident but described Amihai as a sweet, humorous, and friendly boy. She also expressed gratitude for the community's support.