Ismail, 50, was ranked No. 17 on a "New Hope" party list. The MDA team was forced to determine his death on the spot. The police opened an investigation.  Shasha Bitton: "I was shocked to receive the news". He left behind a wife and a son.

Sahar Atef Ismail was shot dead today (Sunday) by unknown individuals, who fired at his vehicle near his home in the Rama local council in the Galilee. MDA staff found Ismail 50-year-old lifeless and forced to die on the spot. The police have opened an investigation.

The New Hope" Party head, Gideon Saar paid tribute to Ismail on his Twitter page: "Dear and beloved friend as my brother and traveling companion, was murdered this morning in Rama. A kind-hearted man, loving man and lover of the country, honest and brave leader, true friend. "I saw him yesterday." Saar added that "I am sure that the Israeli police will lay their hands on the humble killers and bring them to justice."

Education minister Masha Bitton said she "received the news of the murder with astonishment" and that she is in constant contact with his family. "The family of the Ministry of Education is participating in the heavy grief and sorrow of the family," the statement said.