Justice Served: Man receives 17.5-year sentence for mowing down volunteer police officer at sobriety checkpoint

In a somber conclusion to a case that shook Israel's law enforcement community, the Lod District Court has sentenced Rani Al-Kimlat, 31, to 17.5 years in prison for the death of volunteer police officer Amichai Carmely. The incident, which occurred in 2022 at a sobriety checkpoint in Rishon Lezion, ended the life of the 46-year-old Carmely, leaving behind a wife and two teenage children.

Al-Kimlat, a resident of Rahat, faced multiple charges including negligent homicide, drunk driving, grievous bodily harm, and reckless driving. The court's decision also mandates that he provide financial compensation to Carmely's family and other officers injured during the tragic event.

Carmely's death resonated deeply within the police force, where he had volunteered for over 15 years, continuing a family legacy of service.

* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.