IDF Soldier to Be Charged with Murder in Deadly Gang Dispute

Israeli police have announced they will indict a 24-year-old Israel Defense Forces soldier in connection with the murder of Hisham Hujirat, 61, in Shfaram last month. The soldier, from Bir al-Maksur, is allegedly linked to a violent feud between the Suwad-Khaldi crime families.

Hujirat was killed on August 12 when suspects in a vehicle blocked his path as he left his home and shot him before fleeing. His death was pronounced at the scene. The investigation was assigned to the Lahav 433 anti-corruption and serious crime unit.

This incident follows the July 1 murder of Ali Suwad at the Shfaram bus terminal. During their escape from that scene, suspects allegedly shot and wounded Hujirat, who later died. Suspects in Suwad's murder were arrested on August 10.

Later on the day of Hujirat's murder, investigators found the suspect vehicle abandoned in a forest near Bir al-Maksur. A suspect was arrested at the scene with a bottle of gasoline, believed to be intended for burning the vehicle. A paramedic described finding Hujirat inside his car, unconscious, without pulse or breathing, with severe penetrating wounds.