Nine Members of 'Al Asmar' Gang Plead Guilty to Murder Conspiracy in Herzliya Plot

Nine members of the 'Al Asmar' gang have been convicted through a plea deal for conspiracy to commit murder, related to a violent feud with the rival 'Sabihat' gang. The conflict, which escalated in 2024, involved attempts by 'Al Asmar' to take over criminal activities in the villages of Salem and Zalfa, areas controlled by 'Sabihat'.

By January 2025, the rivalry intensified with violent attacks between the gangs and against their affiliates. Prosecutors detailed a plan by 'Al Asmar' members to kill 'Sabihat' members using drones to drop grenades or bombs. The suspects conducted drone tests by dropping water bottles from heights to gauge accuracy.

Additionally, the gang planned to rig a Renault vehicle with explosives to detonate inside a 'Sabihat' member's home. They also intended to shoot the tires of an armored vehicle used by 'Sabihat' members to cause it to overturn, then shoot its occupants to kill them. Sentences agreed upon in the plea deal reach up to three years in prison.