Israeli Man Fatally Blown Up in Car Bombing Was Key Witness in Ongoing Trial

Noam Salameh, 25, of Binyamina, was killed Thursday when his car exploded at the Pal-Yam junction near Or Akiva on Highway 4. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Central Unit of the Coastal District Police has opened an investigation into the suspected murder, which is being examined for criminal motives, with investigators exploring additional leads. Salameh's body was transferred to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for autopsy.

Five months prior, Salameh had been seriously injured in a stabbing incident outside a club in Pardes Hanna. He was the key witness in a trial against Orkhan Koliev, 38, who was charged with aggravated assault and illegal possession of a knife for allegedly stabbing Salameh and his cousin during a brawl. Salameh's cousin was also severely wounded in that incident.

Investigators are working to determine who was responsible for Salameh's death. A source involved in the investigation described the explosive device as "exceptionally heavy," suggesting Salameh had "no chance." A former lawyer for Salameh, Rotem Cohen, stated that Salameh had been undergoing a rehabilitation process, aiming to "clean the slate," build a new life, and distance himself from the criminal world.

Despite the murder, a source familiar with the stabbing case asserted that the ongoing trial would not be significantly impacted, as it relies on strong photographic and other evidence. The source added that even if the perpetrators intended to prevent Salameh from testifying, the case's foundation remains robust.