Victim's Aunt Demands Death Penalty After Man Convicted of Brutal Rape in Gadera

The aunt of a woman brutally raped in Gadera expressed relief over the conviction of Barkat Abu Esa on July 29, 2026, by the Lod District Court but insisted he deserved the death penalty. She described the perpetrator as a terrorist who intentionally sought to destroy and rape, emphasizing the lasting trauma inflicted on the victim, who has suffered from insomnia for three years since the attack. The victim’s aunt criticized the defense lawyer for portraying the victim negatively but expressed faith in divine justice.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attended the court session, praising the verdict despite his usual criticism of the judicial system. He highlighted the nationalist aspect of the crime, noting the victim’s Jewish identity made her a target, and called for legislation to introduce the death penalty in such cases. Ben-Gvir rejected claims that his presence was politically motivated, stating he has supported the victim since the beginning.

According to the court ruling, Abu Esa traveled from his home in Tel Sheva to Gadera the night before the attack, waiting near the victim’s residence. At 2:22 a.m., he broke into her apartment through an unlocked window while the victim’s mother and three young children were asleep. After threatening and physically assaulting the victim, he bound her with tape and sexually assaulted her in the secure room where she had sought refuge with her child. The attacker even paused to drink beer and spoke briefly with the victim’s four-year-old son before fleeing.

The victim’s son managed to free her by cutting the tape, despite injuring his hand in the process. The victim then sought help. The court’s detailed account of the assault underscores the severity and premeditation of the crime, which has deeply affected the victim and her family.