A mohel from Bnei Brak was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of negligent manslaughter after a baby died about two weeks after undergoing a circumcision, police said.
Investigators suspect that negligence during the procedure led to an infection at the circumcision site, which ultimately resulted in the infant’s death.
According to police, officers from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station opened an investigation after receiving a complaint regarding the death, amid concerns over complications following the circumcision performed earlier this month.
The baby reportedly developed an infection after the procedure and was later taken to a family doctor, who referred the infant immediately to a hospital. The baby was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Police said the mohel was questioned on suspicion of causing the death of a minor through negligence. At the end of the interrogation, he was taken into custody and is expected to be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court on Wednesday for a remand hearing.
In Israel, circumcision is a widely practiced religious procedure typically performed by a mohel. Health authorities say the procedure may be carried out either by certified mohels supervised by the Chief Rabbinate or by medical professionals regulated by the Health Ministry.
However, there is no legal prohibition on individuals performing circumcision without certification, and unlicensed practitioners operate in the field. A list of certified mohels is published by the Chief Rabbinate.