Five-Year-Old Boy Hit in Hit-and-Run in Netanya; Investigation Delayed Due to Driver's Vacation

Five-year-old Ori Gahbardayev was struck in a hit-and-run accident about ten days ago while riding his bicycle near his home in Netanya. The boy sustained serious injuries, including pelvic fractures and internal bleeding, and was hospitalized. His mother, Gal, criticized the police for delays in the investigation, claiming the driver left for vacation before being questioned, forcing her to gather evidence herself by collecting security footage from neighbors.

According to the family, the driver hit Ori after backing out of a parking spot and fled the scene without providing assistance. Ori's father rushed him to the hospital where he was initially treated and released, but was readmitted two days later due to worsening symptoms. Gal described how her son went from an independent child to one dependent on her and wheelchair-bound due to the trauma.

Gal recounted her frustration with the police response, saying she was told to obtain surveillance footage herself and that the investigator was unresponsive when she tried to file a complaint. She was shocked to learn the driver was allowed to go on vacation before being interrogated. After the driver was questioned, he asked through the investigator to apologize to the family, but Gal refused, emphasizing the driver fled and only now wanted to apologize after causing severe harm.

The family hopes for a swift legal resolution and that the police will demonstrate care for victims. The Israel Police confirmed they launched an investigation upon receiving the report, located and questioned the driver, but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing inquiry.