Yaakov ben Avraham was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa District Court for the brutal murder of his wife, Yael ben Avraham, in November 2022. The court also ordered him to pay NIS 258,000 in compensation to his daughters. The incident, which occurred at their home in Herzliya, involved ben Avraham stabbing his wife over 50 times across various parts of her body, leading to one of the most gruesome domestic violence cases in recent history.
The indictment, filed by lawyer Ronit Hasson from the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, revealed that the murder was precipitated by an argument regarding the division of property post-divorce. After Yael expressed her intention to withdraw from the property agreement and demanded Yaakov leave the house, an argument ensued. Fueled by rage, Yaakov attacked her with a knife, stabbing her repeatedly until the knife broke. A neighbor attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful as Yaakov continued his assault with a second knife.
Yael's death was confirmed on the spot. The court highlighted the extremity of the attack, noting not only the physical but also the severe mental abuse that Yael endured. It was a particularly heinous crime, exacerbated by the fact that it took place within the supposed safety of the family home.
Beyond the immediate violence of the attack, the aftermath was equally chilling. Ben Avraham washed the knives he used in the murder, an act intended to obstruct justice. His daughter was initially arrested under suspicion of involvement but was later released when no evidence was found against her.
During the trial, the defense's argument that Yaakov was unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues was refuted. A committee of psychiatrists confirmed his fitness to stand trial, and he was ultimately convicted of murder under aggravated circumstances of special cruelty.
In their sentencing, the judges emphasized the need for severe punishments to combat the alarming social phenomenon of women being murdered by their partners. They highlighted the unprecedented cruelty involved, describing how the victim was stabbed with such viciousness that the first knife broke, and detailing the terror Yael must have felt realizing her fate was sealed.
Public reaction to the sentence has been strong. Naamat's chairman, Hagit Par, lauded the court's decision, noting the importance of ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts face the harshest penalties available. The court's message was clear: the murder of women in their homes cannot and will not be tolerated.
- The brutal nature of Yael's murder has reignited conversations about domestic violence and the need for systemic changes to protect potential victims. Activists are calling for more robust legal protections and support systems for those at risk of domestic abuse.
- The case has also spotlighted the psychological trauma experienced by family members who witness such acts of violence. The impact on Yael's daughter, who was present during the murder, is a tragic reminder of the broader implications domestic violence can have on families.
