Parking Dispute in Afula Nearly Ends in Murder After Violent Neighbor Clash

A parking dispute between two neighbors in an apartment building in Afula escalated into a violent confrontation that nearly resulted in murder, according to a police investigation. On July 5, police responded to reports of a stabbing and suspected murder attempt on Omer Street in Afula, where they found the victim suffering from a deep lung stab wound in the building's stairwell. Emergency services evacuated him to Emek Medical Center.

The conflict stemmed from a long-standing dispute over a parking spot both neighbors claimed. The accused, 39-year-old Yaakov Amsalem, had been parking in a particular spot for years, but the victim recently began parking there as well, sparking weeks of tension. On the day of the stabbing, Amsalem sent threatening messages demanding the victim move his car. The argument escalated into mutual insults and threats.

According to police investigator Sergeant Major Matias Saad, Amsalem deliberately rammed the victim's car, then armed himself with a screwdriver and attacked the victim, who defended himself with a hammer. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds during the fight. Both men were questioned by police; the victim is also under investigation for threats and assault.

The Northern District Prosecutor's Office filed charges against Amsalem for aggravated assault, evidence destruction, threats, and intentional damage. The case will be heard in Nazareth District Court. Amsalem's lawyer, Alon Baruch, stated that his client denies the charges and claims self-defense, asserting he was attacked first and acted to protect himself and his family.

Police emphasized that the dispute could have ended in murder and urged residents to seek police help rather than escalating conflicts. Sergeant Major Saad warned that a simple parking argument nearly led to a life-threatening incident and potential life imprisonment for one neighbor.