Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction of Eldad Peri's Killer

The Israeli Supreme Court unanimously rejected the appeal of Daniel Kidar, upholding his conviction for the murder of real estate developer Eldad Peri. Justice Groskopf praised the police investigation as "worthy of its name." Kidar was sentenced to life imprisonment, which remains in effect.

Peri, the owner of Peri Group, was involved in construction projects. In 2018, Kidar joined a group purchase initiated by Peri to build a residential building. Kidar paid the full amount of NIS 2,265,000 for two apartments for himself and his son, receiving personal guarantees and a mortgage from Peri. However, Peri Group later faced insolvency proceedings, leading Kidar to file a debt claim in November 2020.

As part of a rehabilitation plan for the project, Kidar was required to pay an additional NIS 1,366,458 to receive the apartments. Following this demand, Kidar began surveilling Peri's home. After planning, Kidar decided to murder Peri.

On October 15, 2021, Kidar rode his Kawasaki motorcycle, equipped with a handgun and a covered license plate, to a synagogue parking lot in Rehovot. He waited for Peri, who arrived around 6:17 AM. Kidar approached Peri and fired seven shots, hitting him in the head, chest, back, arm, and left thigh, then fled the scene. Peri died from his injuries.

Justice Groskopf noted that Kidar's conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, as there was no direct witness or evidence of Kidar firing the shots. However, the court found sufficient evidence, including a clear financial and personal motive stemming from dissatisfaction with the project and the additional payment demand. The conviction was supported by a comprehensive web of circumstantial evidence, including preliminary surveillance, a "dress rehearsal," location data from Kidar's vehicle, identification of the fleeing motorcyclist, and matching descriptions of the rider's clothing, helmet, and motorcycle.