As violent crime continues to rise around the nation, authorities reported Tuesday that an 18-year-old man was shot and murdered overnight in the northern village of Hamaam.

Although the motivation is still unknown, authorities say the shooting is thought to have been criminal in nature rather than terror-related. The tragedy occurs at a time when violent killings, especially among Arabs, are on the rise.

Homicide rates increased in 2023, with a record 244 murder victims in the Arab sector, according to recent data from the Israel Police.

21 persons were slain in violent crimes last month alone, which is more than twice as many as were killed during the same time last year.

Concerns over government intervention and law enforcement activities have been highlighted by the increase in crime.

Amid rumors that far-right Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir may rejoin the cabinet, acting national security minister Haim Katz, who now serves in a number of capacities, is viewed as a stopgap measure.