Man Convicted of Murder After Stabbing Sister’s Partner Seven Times in Rishon LeZion

The Central District Court in Lod unanimously convicted Meir Israel of murdering Gil Lugasi during an argument in their shared apartment in Rishon LeZion on the night of September 9, 2024. The dispute, which began over a minor issue, escalated violently when Israel stabbed Lugasi seven times in the upper body. One of the stab wounds penetrated Lugasi’s chest and heart, causing his immediate death.

The stabbing occurred in front of Lugasi’s partner, who is also Israel’s sister. She attempted to calm Israel, protect Lugasi with her body, and save him after the attack. The court rejected the defense’s claims of self-defense and their request to reduce the charge to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

However, the judges ruled that the murder was not committed under aggravated circumstances, as they were not convinced that Israel had made a deliberate decision to kill after careful consideration, contrary to the original indictment. Sentencing will be determined later after hearing arguments from both sides.