"He is a false messiah": Suspect in the murder of Rabbi Amos Gueta confesses during interrogation

A month after the murder of 75-year-old Kabbalist Rabbi Amos Gueta in Netanya, a dramatic development has occurred in the investigation. It has come to the attention of Walla that the 36-year-old suspect has confessed to the murder before investigators of the Sharon District Central Unit (YAMAR).

"He is a false messiah," the suspect stated during interrogation, explaining his motives.

Following this development, the Central District Attorney's Office is expected to file an indictment against him this morning (Thursday) for murder under aggravated circumstances.

During the investigation, the suspect attempted to mislead authorities by feigning an inability to speak and maintaining silence. However, during an investigative exercise conducted by Sharon YAMAR, he was heard speaking when he requested a cola instead of water. Once investigators confronted him with the gathered evidence, he finally confessed to the act.

On July 1, at 05:44, police received a report regarding the stabbing of Rabbi Amos Gueta at his home in Netanya. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, doctors at Laniado Hospital were forced to pronounce his death. The Central District Commander, Commissioner Amir Cohen, assigned the investigation to the Sharon YAMAR, which conducted an intensive inquiry involving forensic analysis and witness testimonies.

Findings revealed that the suspect arrived at the rabbi's home early in the morning under the pretext of prayer. After being granted entry to the room where the rabbi was resting, he pulled out a knife and stabbed him four times while he was in bed. The rabbi's assistant, who attempted to intervene, sustained a minor hand injury during the struggle. The suspect was apprehended following a swift manhunt by Netanya station detectives and Sharon YAMAR investigators. The knife suspected to be the murder weapon was seized at the scene.

While authorities initially suspected the individual might be mentally unstable, a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation determined he is fit to stand trial. The murder of Rabbi Gueta has deeply shocked his community, particularly those among the Libyan community and those who returned to religion, who viewed him as a central spiritual figure. With the investigation complete and a confession secured, the case is now moving to formal court proceedings.