Muhammad Abu Khdeir's Killer Dies in Prison at 42

Yosef Chaim Ben-David, convicted of the murder of teenager Muhammad Abu Khdeir, died on Thursday at the age of 42. Ben-David, who was imprisoned at the Sharon prison, was transferred for medical treatment after feeling unwell, and his death was subsequently confirmed. The Israel Prison Service announced that an investigation team has been appointed to examine the circumstances of the case.

Ben-David was convicted in 2016 for the murder of Abu Khdeir, a 16-year-old from Shuafat who was kidnapped and murdered in July 2014. The Jerusalem District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for the murder, plus an additional 20 years for other offenses. Two minors involved in the case were also convicted.

The murder occurred days after the kidnapping and murder of three teenagers: Gil-ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel, and Eyal Yifrah. According to the court's ruling, Ben-David and the two minors set out on a revenge mission, kidnapped Abu Khdeir, and drove him to the Jerusalem Forest, where he was murdered. The case sparked significant public outcry and led to riots in Jerusalem.

During the trial, the defendant's mental state at the time of the acts was a central issue. The court determined that he was responsible for his actions and rejected his claims regarding his mental state. In 2018, the Supreme Court rejected appeals filed by the three convicted individuals, upholding their convictions and sentences.