Five Charged in Northern Israel Over Drug Deal Turned Violent Assault and Hit-and-Run

Five individuals from northern Israel have been indicted following a violent incident linked to a drug transaction on July 14. The suspects include four young men from Kiryat Shmona and Katzrin, aged around 20, and a 70-year-old man from Katzrin. The event began when two 20-year-olds from Katzrin went to Kiryat Shmona to complete a drug deal but could not pay the full amount due to an outstanding debt. After leaving the victim's home, they enlisted a third suspect from Kiryat Shmona and returned to confront the victim. During their drive, the three noticed the victim's brother and a friend, and the driver accelerated towards them in an apparent hit-and-run attempt. One of the two men was lightly injured by the car's side mirror and required hospital treatment.

Following the attempted hit-and-run, the three suspects attacked the victim with an axe and clubs, causing severe injuries including facial fractures. The 70-year-old suspect later arrived to assist in their escape. Police were called to the scene and launched an investigation. To obstruct the inquiry, a 22-year-old man from Kiryat Shmona falsely claimed at the police station that he was the driver during the incident. However, police uncovered that the attackers had pressured him to provide a misleading account, alleging unknown assailants had attacked him, prompting his flight.

All five suspects were arrested and charged by the Northern District Prosecutor's Office with aggravated assault, drug trafficking and supply, aiding aggravated assault, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, threats, and possession of drugs not for personal use. The case highlights a violent escalation from a drug dispute into a serious criminal assault and attempts to hinder police investigation.