School principal named as suspect in Rahat slayings

Police flood Beduin city to prevent revenge attacks.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
One of two suspects arrested in connection with the double homicide in Rahat on Tuesday is an elementary school principal, a court remand hearing revealed on Wednesday.
Two cousins, aged 25 and 30, were shot dead during a fight that broke out at the entrance to the Negev city between two families, both members of the Huzail clan, in what police suspect is a feud over property.
A Beersheba magistrate extended the remand of Samir Huzail, the principal, by two days, while a second suspect had his remand extended by nine days.
Dep.-Cmdr. Eyal Azulai, who heads the Rahat police station, said dozens of officers had been deployed to the city to prevent further violence.
“Large police forces are separating the two sides, safeguarding thetown and securing areas where friction is likely to flare up,” he said.
“Beduin community leaders and social services are also in the town,talking to the affected parties and attempting to calm the situationdown,” Azulai added. “It’s very hard to know if these measures willwork, but they certainly reduce the chances of further violence.”
The investigation is being headed by the Negev Police’s Central Unit.