Man Arrested for Murdering Elderly Rabbi in Netanya Faces Mental Competency Battle

Benjamin Friedrich is accused of fatally stabbing Rabbi Amos Gueta, 77, in his Netanya yeshiva on July 1, 2026. According to the indictment, Friedrich entered the rabbi's room under the pretense of praying beside his bed, then drew a concealed knife and stabbed him multiple times in front of a caregiver. Rabbi Gueta, who was bedridden and required constant care, died shortly after from his wounds.

Friedrich had previously been part of the yeshiva community but was asked to leave in 2025. Despite this, he continued to visit occasionally. On the morning of the attack, he took a knife from the yeshiva kitchen, hid it in his clothing, and approached the rabbi's room. The caregiver initially refused to let him in but relented after Friedrich insisted he wanted to say a psalm. Friedrich then muttered prayers before attacking the rabbi, stabbing him four times. The caregiver tried to intervene but was unable to stop him. Friedrich fled but was quickly apprehended.

During four police interrogations, Friedrich gave erratic and disturbing statements, including references to demonic possession and schizophrenia. He admitted to the stabbing but refused to answer many questions directly, sometimes communicating through gestures. His mental state and fitness to stand trial have become central issues in the legal proceedings.

Prosecutor Naomi Levinov warned of Friedrich's dangerousness, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the killing and the vulnerability of the victim. She also noted that Friedrich holds a French passport, raising concerns he might flee if released. The case continues to unfold amid debates over Friedrich's sanity and criminal responsibility.