Driver Suspected in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Teenager Amichai Atia Has Detention Extended

The detention of a driver suspected of fatally hitting 17-year-old Amichai Atia has been extended by five days. Atia, a resident of the settlement of Itamar and a student at the Hitzim Yeshiva, was struck and killed on Thursday in the parking lot of the "Mole Ha'hof Village" shopping complex in Hadera. The incident occurred during a large public Selichot prayer service.

During his interrogation, the suspect claimed he felt his life was in danger and fled the scene by driving away at high speed. The police stated that security camera footage from the complex is being reviewed, but provided no further details. The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. It was also revealed in court that a shooter involved in the incident had not yet been apprehended.

Hundreds of family members, friends, and acquaintances attended Atia's funeral at the cemetery in Itamar. His brother, Dror, eulogized him, saying, "Amichai, my dear, my beloved, dear brother and dear friend. You and I were together our whole lives until your last hours. We were in kindergarten together, we were in school together, we went on trips and everything together. I feel that since we were born, we had an excellent connection."

Atia was described as a "beloved, principled, and vibrant youth" by his community in Itamar.