Shibli Local 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 kill him multiple times due to the reforms he is implementing. Over the past two years, the council building has been set on fire four times, with the latest incident narrowly avoided thanks to vigilant passersby who spotted the flames. Shibli described how gasoline bottles were found near his office, and although one room was burned, the damage could have been much worse.

Shibli, who is under the highest threat level protection by a special Ministry of Interior unit, revealed that he has been shot at twice, wounded once in the leg, and had his vehicles set on fire ten times. On one occasion, gunfire nearly killed him when bullets rained down on his car. He emphasized the personal toll these threats take on public officials fighting crime, calling their position a "ticking bomb" for their families.

He attributes the attacks to criminal elements opposing his anti-corruption reforms and clean projects, which he says have not been pursued in Shibli for 25 years. Despite the ongoing threats, Shibli continues his work but limits his nighttime and weekend movements for safety. He acknowledged the progress made but noted it comes at a significant cost to his health, family, and life.

The repeated arson attempts and violent threats highlight the dangerous environment faced by local leaders tackling organized crime in Israel's periphery. Shibli's case underscores the challenges of governance amid entrenched criminal interests resisting change.