PM's Office Employee's Son Suspected in Ashkelon Shooting Incident

A young man, identified as Matanya Haim Assaig, the son of an employee in the Prime Minister's Office, was released to house arrest on Sunday following his suspected involvement in a shooting incident in Ashkelon last Thursday. Assaig, who has no prior criminal record, was apprehended in a government vehicle equipped with police lights. During a search of the car, an airsoft pistol and a police identification hat were discovered.

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Thursday as part of a long-standing dispute between two groups known to police. Assaig was reportedly with two associates who have criminal records, though he himself does not. Police stated during a court hearing that while there is a possibility Assaig fired a weapon, the investigation is in its early stages.

Assaig's defense attorney, Adi Carmeli, argued that his client is a law student, a reservist in the Border Police, and works as a security guard and DJ. Carmeli asserted that Assaig was unintentionally caught up in the incident after shots were fired at the vehicle he was traveling in. The attorney added that Assaig fully cooperated with investigators, provided a detailed account, and agreed to a polygraph test.

The judge ruled that the evidence against Assaig was weak and circumstantial at this stage, noting no direct evidence linked him to the shooting beyond his presence in the car. Consequently, the request to extend his detention was denied, and he was ordered to remain under full house arrest at his mother's home in Jerusalem until October 6th. He is under the supervision of his parents, Raya and Boaz Assaig, and is subject to financial guarantees and a prohibition on contacting those involved.