Three Arrested in Connection with Murder of Palestinian Man Near Golani Interchange

Three residents of Tur'an, two men and a woman, were arrested overnight on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Rabea Obeidat, 38, whose body was discovered Thursday in the Lavi Forest near the Golani Interchange. Police are expected to request an extension of their detention on Friday morning at the Nazareth-Nof HaGalil Magistrate's Court.

Authorities received a report of a lifeless man on Thursday afternoon. A large contingent of the Northern District police force arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. The investigation was assigned to the Northern District's Central Unit, which led to the arrests.

According to initial reports, Obeidat, from the Palestinian village of Zububa near Jenin, had worked for approximately two years at a construction company linked to some of the suspects. Police suspect a financial dispute arose between Obeidat and his former employers over his demand for compensation after ending his employment. The suspects allegedly contacted Obeidat, who was recently working in Umm al-Fahm, and asked him to meet near the Golani Interchange to resolve the dispute. He was reportedly beaten to death during the meeting, and his body was later found in the Lavi Forest.

Two of the suspects are a couple in their 50s, and the third suspect is in his 20s. Obeidat's family stated he was married with three children. His brother, Kamal, told Ynet that the family began searching for him when he didn't return home or answer his phone, and later learned of his death. The family believes the motive was Obeidat's demand for money he felt he was owed from his employment.

Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and no indictments have been filed yet. The three are currently suspected of involvement in the murder.