Suspect in Lawyer Arbel Feldman’s Murder in Rishon Lezion Detained for Nine More Days

Ahmad Alrajoub, 23, from Ramla, suspected of murdering lawyer Arbel Feldman in his Rishon Lezion office, had his detention extended by nine days on Sunday. Police stated the motive was a financial dispute over 15,000 shekels and said suspicions against Alrajoub have strengthened since the previous detention extension. The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court ordered a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect within 24 hours after his defense raised concerns about his mental state.

Israel Feldman, the victim’s father, attended the hearing and emotionally questioned the reason behind his son’s killing, condemning the act and rejecting claims that the suspect was mentally unfit. Police described the incident as "very serious," explaining that Alrajoub allegedly arrived at Feldman’s office with intent, shot him multiple times, and fled to Ashdod police. After identifying him as the suspect, authorities took him in for questioning, during which he exercised his right to silence.

Since the last extension, police have conducted dozens of investigative actions including witness interviews, camera footage reviews, and lab tests, many of which reinforced the suspicion against Alrajoub. Some evidence is still pending, and further investigation is ongoing. The defense criticized the slow pace of the investigation and requested additional questioning of the suspect during detention. They also argued Alrajoub might be unfit to stand trial but acknowledged it was not the time to decide.

Judge Oshrit Huber-Hayman ruled that suspicion against Alrajoub has increased but accepted the police’s request partially, emphasizing the need for court oversight of the investigation’s progress. She noted the suspect had not been questioned again since the last hearing and ordered that his response to the charges be presented to the court during the extended detention period.

Arbel Feldman was shot dead on August 4 in his Rishon Lezion office on Rozhensky Street. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, and a brother.