Two Men Indicted for Armed Shooting at Mosque Over Financial Dispute with Imam in Shfaram

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office has filed indictments against two residents of Shfaram, Abd al-Fattah Azzam, 47, and Muhammad Juweid, 32, following a shooting incident at a mosque linked to a financial dispute with the mosque's imam. According to the indictment, Azzam arrived at the mosque armed with a handgun and a sword, fired shots into the ceiling and into the air, and fled the scene after realizing the imam was not present.

In the days leading up to the shooting, Azzam reportedly fired a handgun from his home and threatened the imam. He also brandished a long iron sword while threatening another individual, who was protected by friends. Juweid had taken the weapons from Azzam to prevent harm but later returned them at Azzam's request.

After the shooting, Azzam went to a garage owned by Juweid, then to a nearby grove where he hid the weapons while Juweid kept watch. Juweid later drove Azzam away, and when they reached a police checkpoint, they accelerated, nearly hitting an officer signaling them to stop, and continued fleeing.

Azzam faces charges including illegal possession and use of a firearm, shooting in a residential area, obstruction of justice, interfering with a police officer, threats, and illegal possession of a weapon. Juweid is charged with illegal possession of weapons, aiding after the fact, and interfering with a police officer.