Israeli Court Sentences Three Men to 25-27 Years for Murder of Young Man in Eilat Taxi

The Beersheba District Court sentenced three men to lengthy prison terms for the 2020 murder of 21-year-old Osher Gazi in Eilat. Judges Yael Raz Levi, Aharon Mishnayot, and Rachel Toren handed down 27-year sentences to Netanel Zikri and Yahav Dadon, and a 25-year sentence to Ilai Rozet, who was convicted as part of a plea deal. The charges included joint murder, arson, evidence destruction, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

According to the amended indictment presented by attorney Hofit Kantrovich from the Southern District Prosecutor's Office, the defendants conspired to harm Gazi due to a personal dispute. On the night of the attack, they disguised themselves, armed with knives, tracked Gazi while he was riding in a taxi, blocked the vehicle, and stabbed him multiple times. One defendant threatened the taxi driver to prevent interference or reporting. After the murder, they fled, disposed of the weapons and clothing, and set fire to the car used in the crime.

During sentencing arguments, the prosecution requested 30-year sentences for each defendant, emphasizing their full participation in a premeditated, coordinated murder involving preparation and concealment. The court agreed, describing the defendants as a unified criminal entity and condemning the ease with which they executed their plan. The judges highlighted the severe impact on the victim's family and the defendants' families.

Rozet received a slightly reduced sentence due to significant cooperation with investigators. Additionally, conditional sentences were imposed, and financial compensation was ordered: 200,000 shekels to the victim's family from Zikri, and 150,000 shekels each from Dadon and Rozet.