Israeli Court Extends Detention of Suspect in Lawyer Arbel Feldman's Murder

The Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion extended the detention of Ahmad Aljrab, 23, from Ramla, by 12 days on Wednesday. Aljrab is the prime suspect in the murder of lawyer Arbel Feldman, who was shot dead in his office in Rishon Lezion on August 4, 2026. The police initially requested a 15-day extension, accusing him of premeditated murder, evidence destruction, and obstruction of justice.

During the hearing, police representatives stated that Aljrab fled the scene after the shooting but later surrendered at a police station in another city. Since his surrender, evidence has been gathered strengthening the case against him, some of which was confronted with him during interrogation. Aljrab repeatedly invoked his psychiatric condition and exercised his right to silence.

Aljrab's defense attorney, Oren Sasson, revealed that a preliminary psychiatric evaluation found him fit for detention but argued that the suspect suffers from mental instability and autism, limiting his control over his actions. Sasson requested a full psychiatric assessment and argued that Aljrab should be held in a psychiatric ward rather than regular detention. The defense also questioned the charge of premeditated murder, citing the suspect's mental state and lack of clear evidence of planning.

The police maintained that Aljrab was armed with an unlicensed firearm and that the evidence supports the charge of premeditated murder. The court partially accepted the police's request and extended the suspect's detention by 12 days. Further investigation and legal proceedings are expected to continue.