Lower Galilee Council Head Reveals Multiple Attempts on His Life Amid Reform Efforts

Hatem Shibli, head of the Shibli-Umm al-Ghanam local council in the Lower Galilee, disclosed that unknown assailants have attempted to set fire to the municipal building four times in about two years due to the reforms he is implementing. The latest arson attempt was thwarted by vigilant passersby who noticed the fire, preventing a potential disaster. Shibli described how gasoline bottles were found near his office, and although one room was burned, the damage could have been much worse.

Shibli revealed he is under the highest threat level protection, guarded by a special unit from the Ministry of the Interior. He recounted multiple assassination attempts, including being shot at twice, once resulting in a leg injury, having ten vehicles set on fire, and a near-fatal attack where bullets were fired at his car. He emphasized the personal toll these threats take on public officials fighting crime, calling their situation a "ticking bomb" for their families.

He attributed the attacks to criminal elements opposed to his anti-corruption reforms and clean projects, which he says have not been undertaken in Shibli for 25 years. Despite the ongoing threats, Shibli said he rarely goes out at night and only follows a strict schedule on weekends, but remains undeterred, noting he is beginning to see the fruits of his work at a significant personal cost to his health, family, and life.