The Israel Prison Service arrested a 34-year-old officer from Hod Hasharon on suspicion of obstructing the investigation into the July 11 murder of 19-year-old Benayahu Razi in Jerusalem. The officer is accused of having a personal relationship with an inmate linked to 17-year-old suspect Avior Sasson and may have allowed the inmate to use her phone to help Sasson evade police. IPS intelligence tipped off investigators, leading to a covert probe and the officer's detention on charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust. Authorities continue a round-the-clock manhunt for Sasson; aiding him could carry up to three years in prison.
Israel Prison Service Officer Arrested Over Alleged Aid To Fugitive In Jerusalem Murder Probe
Police officers stand at the scene of last night's murder of a 19-year-old man in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem, July 12, 2026. (photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
An Israel Prison Service (IPS) officer, 34, from Hod Hasharon was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of obstructing the police investigation into the July 11 killing of 19-year-old Benayahu Razi in Jerusalem, the IPS and police said.
Authorities say the officer is suspected of having maintained a personal relationship with an inmate at the central Israel prison where she worked. That inmate is reported to be related to 17-year-old Avior Sasson, the main suspect in the murder case, who remains at large more than two weeks after Razi was fatally stabbed.
Police allege the officer and the inmate collaborated to hinder the inquiry and to assist Sasson while officers searched for him. Local reports have identified the inmate as Sasson's brother.
Investigators believe the inmate used the officer's mobile phone to help Sasson conceal himself and evade capture. The probe is examining the scope of the alleged assistance, including whether the phone was used to pass instructions, information or other support to the suspect.
Police officers stand outside the scene of the murder of a 19-year-old man in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem, July 11, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)
"The manhunt for the murder suspect continues around the clock, and investigators are working day and night to obtain every scrap of information that could reveal his location and lead to his arrest," said Supt. Rotem Hila Zaken.
The arrest followed an internal intelligence tip: IPS intelligence officials reportedly flagged concerns about the officer's conduct and passed that information to police, prompting a covert inquiry, the joint announcement said.
The officer was detained on suspicion of obstruction of justice and breach of trust. She was questioned and will remain in custody while investigators decide whether to seek a court order to extend her detention.
Razi was stabbed to death on July 11 inside a short-term rental in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. A friend who was with him suffered light wounds and escaped from the apartment. Since the killing, police have arrested several people alleged to have arranged the meeting, carried out the attack, or helped participants flee.
In an unusual move last week, police publicly released the name and photograph of Sasson despite his being a minor and asked the public for help locating him. Witnesses reported seeing Sasson flee the scene wearing a white shirt and black trousers. Police warned that anyone who assists him could be investigated for aiding an offender after the fact, an offense that carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years.
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