Rabbi Amos Guata, a prominent kabbalist and head of a yeshiva in Netanya, was stabbed to death Wednesday morning at a synagogue in the city's north. Israeli media report that police are investigating a suspected criminal motive.
Police suspect a criminal motive in the stabbing death of Rabbi Amos Guata, a prominent kabbalist and head of the yeshiva for Libyan Jewry in Netanya, who was killed early Wednesday morning at the entrance to a synagogue in the northern part of the city. The attack occurred before 06:14 Jerusalem, when first reports emerged. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The development follows a fast-moving thread Wednesday morning. At 06:14 Jerusalem, our initial bulletin reported a critically wounded man in his 70s on Shimon Bar Yohai Street, evacuated to Laniado Hospital. Minutes later, at the same published time, we updated that the victim had died and was identified as a prominent rabbi. By 06:14, the victim was named as Rabbi Amos Guata, and the attack was linked to two other murders in Yagur and Netanya within the hour, which police are tracking as a possible wave of criminal violence in Arab and mixed communities. A separate bulletin at 07:45 Jerusalem confirmed the rabbi's identity and noted current police suspicions, while a Shas party announcement at 07:51 Jerusalem eulogized him, corroborating his status.
The Zioneer reported at 07:45 that Rabbi Guata was a well-known spiritual figure in Netanya, and Netanya Mayor Avi Salma eulogized him as a pillar of Torah and kindness. The attack is not being treated as terror-related at this stage, according to initial assessments.
As of now (Wed 23:32 Jerusalem), the specific suspect or motive remains unconfirmed; police have not disclosed whether a person of interest is in custody.
11 developments
- StrongChief Rabbi Bar eulogizes slain Netanya kabbalist Amos Guata
- StrongShas party announces sudden passing of prominent Netanya rabbi Amos Guata
- DevelopingPalestinian Youth Arrested in Anata on Suspicion of Planned Revenge Attack; Weapons Seized
- DevelopingPolice arrest two suspects from Tur'an in stabbing case
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