Nearly four years after the tragic murder of Yoel Lehanghal, who died following a lynching by a group of youths in Kiryat Shmona, his parents and girlfriend have filed a 6. 6 million NIS tort claim in the Central District Court. The lawsuit is directed at the State of Israel and the group of youths charged with the assault. The central cause of action rests on allegations of severe police failures, which the plaintiffs argue prevented the prevention of the murder and obstructed justice for those responsible.
Attorney Rachel Tzinkin, representing the plaintiffs, claims in the statement of claim that police conduct at the scene was fundamentally flawed. According to the allegations, a patrol team that arrived before the murder displayed negative bias toward the victim, failed to prevent the continuation of the attack, and instead protected the local assailants rather than ensuring Lehanghal's safety. The lawsuit details that the officers left the scene, leaving Lehanghal injured, without medical treatment, and without making a genuine effort to locate suspects.
It is further alleged that after the violent event, police actions led to the obstruction of the investigation, allowing suspects to avoid convictions for murder or manslaughter. According to the family, this conduct, previously exposed in media investigations, caused irreversible damage to the parents' lives. The lawsuit emphasizes that while the city's police commander was dismissed following the incident, this does not replace the need for legal accountability and compensation for their damages.
The plaintiffs argue that had the police acted professionally and reasonably, the tragedy could have been prevented. Conversely, it should be noted that these claims are at the initial filing stage and have not yet been adjudicated. In response to media inquiries, the State Attorney's Office stated that the claim has not yet been received in their offices and they will respond on the merits after reviewing the documents.