Attorney Arbel Feldman, a Rishon Lezion resident and father of three, was shot dead inside his office after an apparent dispute over compensation from a years-old personal-injury claim. The 23-year-old former client suspected in the killing surrendered to police hours later; his detention was extended until August 16. Investigators say Feldman was shot multiple times at close range and are probing whether the attack was premeditated. The Israel Bar Association held moments of silence and raised a black flag to demand greater protection for lawyers.
Rishon Lezion Lawyer Arbel Feldman Killed in Office; Former Client Detained
Police at the scene of where a well-known lawyer was murdered in apparent targeted killing at Rishon Lezion office. August 4, 2026. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
Attorney Arbel Feldman, a Rishon Lezion resident and father of three, was identified Wednesday as the man fatally shot inside his law office the previous day. Police say the suspected shooter was a 23-year-old former client who surrendered to authorities several hours after the attack.
Officers received a report shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday about a man critically wounded by gunfire in an office building. Colleagues found Feldman beneath his desk with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Investigators say he was shot at least four times at close range.
The suspect, a resident of Ramle, fled the scene after the shooting but later turned himself in to police in southern Israel. He appeared in the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court, where a judge extended his detention until August 16. Police say the firearm used in the attack has not yet been recovered.
Colleagues who were in the office told investigators they heard a brief exchange between Feldman and the visitor before shots were fired. The suspect reportedly admitted during questioning that he had fired the shots. Authorities are probing whether the attacker came with premeditated intent or whether an argument escalated into deadly violence.
Dispute Over Compensation Money
Preliminary inquiries indicate the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over compensation linked to a personal-injury claim from a traffic accident more than three years ago — a matter in which Feldman had represented the suspect. According to reports, the suspect alleges that the compensation payment was improperly transferred to his father instead of to him; investigators say the suspect went to the lawyer’s office to demand the funds and then confronted Feldman.
The suspect in the murder of attorney Arbel Feldman arrives for a court hearing on his detention extension at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon LeZion, August 5, 2026. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)
Friends and colleagues remembered Feldman as quiet, courteous and devoted to his family. Attorney Yaron Forer, who encountered Feldman frequently at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court, described him as "a quiet, pleasant and polite person" who never lost his temper.
Colleagues and family requested that Feldman's photograph not be published while they remain in shock.
"We will not allow this criminal murder to pass without a response," Israel Bar Association head Amit Becher said. "Israeli society must set a clear boundary against violence and hatred."
Dozens of lawyers and Israel Bar Association employees observed two minutes of silence outside the Tel Aviv District Court and at other sites nationwide and raised a black flag in protest, calling for greater protection for legal professionals and others who work within the justice system.
Police continue to search for the weapon and are investigating the suspect’s actions and whereabouts before and after the shooting.
Photo caption: The suspect in the murder of attorney Arbel Feldman arrives for a court hearing on his detention extension at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon LeZion, August 5, 2026. (Credit: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
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