Beersheba Deputy Mayor Shimon Tobol Joins Noam Party Amid Assault Charges

Shimon Tobol, the Deputy Mayor of Beersheba representing Degel HaTorah, announced on July 28, 2026, that he is joining the Noam party led by MK Avi Maoz. This move came hours after the Southern District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Tobol for allegedly assaulting two gas station employees during his military reserve service in September 2024. The incident reportedly began when Tobol confronted an employee playing Arabic music from his car at a gas station in Kfar Azza, leading to a physical altercation. Tobol faces two counts of assault according to the indictment submitted by attorney Avi Biton.

Tobol, married with four children, has served on Beersheba's city council since 2013 and currently holds the environment portfolio as deputy mayor. He leads a three-member faction and is also a reserve combatant in the Givati Brigade, having accumulated hundreds of reserve days, including during the recent Iron Swords war. Noam highlighted Tobol's background as an educator with a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in educational management, noting his 15 years as CEO of Beit Yosef institutions and his community activism, including co-founding United Hatzalah in Beersheba and organizing youth and social welfare projects.

In response to the indictment, Noam expressed support for Tobol, emphasizing his military service and questioning the prosecution's decision to pursue the case after military authorities had already examined it. Tobol stated his motivation for joining Noam is a deep belief in the need to preserve right-wing governance and Torah values, calling for leadership that unites the public and upholds Jewish identity and values. MK Avi Maoz welcomed Tobol's addition, describing him as a grassroots leader whose involvement strengthens the party's Jewish identity and outreach.

The indictment alleges that during his reserve duty, Tobol confronted a gas station worker over Arabic music playing from the worker's vehicle, which escalated into assault. The case is ongoing, and Tobol's political realignment is part of Noam's broader strategy to consolidate support ahead of upcoming elections.