Eilat District Police arrested two suspects—Sami Barsoum and Najib Saada, East Jerusalem residents in their thirties—on suspicion of burning to death a 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Nuki during Lag BaOmer celebrations in the Arava.
Police opened an investigation over the weekend after receiving a report that the dog was burned during a Lag BaOmer event in Neve Harif, a community in the Arava. Detectives arrested the two suspects, both employees at a luxury hotel in the area, on suspicion of involvement in the act.
Today (Sunday), the two were brought to Eilat Magistrate’s Court, which granted the police’s request and extended their detention until Tuesday, May 12, 2026, to continue the investigation.
Israel Police emphasized the severity of the incident, stating they “view animal abuse with utmost seriousness and will prosecute those involved in such acts to the fullest extent of the law.” Police added that the investigation is ongoing and further procedures are expected to build the evidentiary foundation against the suspects.