Suspect in Deadly Hadera Hit-and-Run Released to House Arrest

A court in Hadera has ordered the release of a 21-year-old suspect, Mahmoud Samhat from Kafr Manda, to house arrest pending further investigation into the fatal hit-and-run of 17-year-old Amihai Attia last week. The incident occurred at "Canyon Village" in Hadera. The house arrest is set to continue until October 1.

During the hearing, the judge explained the decision by referencing the suspect's claim that he was fleeing a mob pursuing him, fearing a mass killing. According to this account, he did not notice he had struck anyone, thus negating the charge of fleeing the scene of an accident. The judge further stated that evidence suggests the suspect did not intentionally hit the victim, and at most, the incident involved negligence, and not even significant negligence.

The judge also indicated that those who pursued the suspect bore significant responsibility for the tragic outcome, even if the suspect holds some partial accountability, which will be determined later. The Red Star of David provided the imagery for the report.