Israeli Businessman Found Dead in Ethiopia, Suspected Poisoning

An Israeli businessman, approximately 40 years old, was discovered deceased in a restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Wednesday evening, October 28. Authorities are investigating the possibility that he was poisoned. The businessman, who was involved in commercial activities in Ethiopia, was at the restaurant when he excused himself to use the restroom and did not return. A search led to the discovery of his body in a toilet stall. He was reportedly in good health and had no known chronic illnesses, making the poisoning theory plausible, though it remains a preliminary assumption. A forensic examination is expected to determine the cause of death. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Addis Ababa are in contact with the family and working to repatriate the body.

This incident brings to mind a previous case in March where Mulu Brahay, a 51-year-old resident of Beersheba, died in Ethiopia just 48 hours before an evacuation flight was scheduled to arrive. Brahay had traveled to Ethiopia to visit his sister. His death occurred during Operation "Lion's Roar," which was complicated by the cessation of air travel due to Iranian shelling. Brahay had contacted a group of Israelis in Ethiopia who were gathering medicinal plants, and together they appealed to Jerusalem for an evacuation flight. Knesset Member Pnina Tamano-Shata intervened, contacting the Israeli President, Minister of Transportation, and the Foreign Ministry, ultimately securing a flight from Israir. However, Brahay's condition worsened significantly due to a shortage of his medication, and the plane arrived too late to save him.