Liel Ifergan Suspected of Killing 7-Year-Old in Beit Shemesh Attack

Liel Ifergan, 26, is the prime suspect in the stabbing murder of seven-year-old Hillel Mordechai Dadon in Beit Shemesh. According to police investigations, Ifergan, who lives near the apartment where the child was staying, arrived at the location hours before the attack, spoke briefly with the landlord, and left. He returned later and stabbed Hillel along with his four-year-old cousin, Ray, who was seriously injured. Ifergan was immediately arrested and his detention was extended until Tuesday.

The stabbing occurred on Monday while the children were playing in a pool at their grandmother’s home. A 15-year-old relative was present and witnessed the attack. Magen David Adom paramedic Yosef Chaim Bernfeld described the scene as "shocking." Hillel’s uncle and Ray’s father, Shlomi Alon, found the injured children and attempted to resuscitate Hillel, who later died. At the funeral, Alon mourned the sudden loss, recalling moments of joy just minutes before the tragedy.

Police are focusing their investigation on uncovering the motive behind the attack. Deputy head of the Jerusalem District Investigation Unit, Chief Inspector Guy Avrahami, stated that they are diligently gathering evidence to piece together the events and ensure the suspect faces full legal consequences.