Stolen plates and rapid tracking: How the Afula murder suspect was caught
An indictment will be filed against a 38-year-old resident of Migdal HaEmek. The investigation revealed that the suspect arrived from the Tivon area eight hours before the explosion in a stolen vehicle with forged license plates. Northern District Commander Nitzav Meir Eliyahu stated the arrest was the result of an uncompromising investigative effort.
At the conclusion of an investigation by the Central Unit (YAMAR) of the Amakim District in the Northern District, an indictment will be filed against a resident of Migdal HaEmek accused of murdering Obnach Dinko by detonating an explosive device in Afula, it was confirmed for publication this morning (Monday).
On May 26, 2026, at approximately 08:40, a report was received at the Israel Police 100 emergency center regarding a vehicle that exploded in the heart of a residential neighborhood in Afula. Dinko was evacuated from the scene in critical condition, and his death was later pronounced at the HaEmek Hospital in the city.
Large forces were dispatched to the scene, and following a situation assessment conducted by the Northern District Commander, Nitzav Meir Eliyahu, it was determined that the case would be transferred to the YAMAR Amakim investigation.
With the opening of the investigation, the unit's investigators carried out dozens of rapid actions, and within a few hours, district police officers managed to arrest the 38-year-old suspect. The operational vehicle was also seized; it turned out to be a stolen vehicle on which legitimate license plates stolen from an identical vehicle had been installed.
Investigation materials indicate that the suspect's actions began about 8 hours before the explosion, when he left the Tivon area and carried out preparatory actions at the scene and along the access routes. Upon completion of the investigation phase, the Northern District Attorney's Office, through attorneys Yaara Barzilay Cohen and Roi Alfasi, will file an indictment against the accused in the District Court in Nof HaGalil-Nazareth.
Northern District Commander, Nitzav Meir Eliyahu, stated:
"Solving murder cases and preventing serious crime are at the top of the district's priorities. The Northern District Police invests the best resources, technological means, intelligence capabilities, and the most skilled forces to reach every scene, crack every case, and bring suspects to justice."
According to Nitzav Eliyahu, the rapid closing of the circle by YAMAR Amakim investigators is a direct result of their uncompromising investigative and operational effort. "Even at these moments, our best police officers are working with full force to solve existing cases, bring criminals to justice, and ensure that everyone who takes part in serious crime is put behind bars," he added.
