Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira
Rabbi Elazar AbuhatzeiraBahadri Hardim

The regional psychiatrist in Israel’s Southern District filed on Wednesday an opinion which rules that Asher Dahan, the accused murderer of Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira, is unfit to stand trial.

The opinion was submitted to the Be’er Sheva Magistrate’s Court and includes a recommendation that Dahan be admitted to a psychiatric facility for further evaluation.

Earlier it was reported that the court had extended Dahan’s remand by an additional two weeks.

Dahan, 42, from the community of Elad, is suspected of murdering Rabbi Elazar at his synagogue two weeks ago.

The rabbi had been receiving congregants seeking advice and blessing. Dahan, who came to ask for a blessing, approached the rabbi to talk, kissed his hand, and then suddenly he pulled out a sharp instrument and stabbed him in the chest and stomach. 

Dahan fled, but the rabbi's followers overtook and subdue him.