Remains found after father-of-four savaged by shark as AI images of 'anti-Semitic beasts' spark fury
The chilling attack, which took place near Olga Beach, Hadera, on Monday, prompted a major search and rescue operation.
'Help' and 'they're biting me' were among the man's final words as he was seen thrashing around with his arms in the air before being dragged out to sea.
The event has since stirred controversy as AI images of 'anti-Semitic sharks' depicted Hamas bandanas began to circulate.
People have joked online that it was the 'anti-Semitic shark' who would 'fight to total victory'.
Two of the images being shared show a shark wearing a green Hamas bandana or keffiyeh with the caption 'the warrior in the Abu-shark force', with the predator also being dubbed the 'al-Qassam shark' in reference to Hamas's al-Qassam brigade.
A third is a fake picture of former IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari next to a shark, which was posted with the caption claiming that Hagari threatened retaliation against the animal and announced that the incident resulted in only 'minor injuries'.
The posts have caused fury in Israel, with local media saying that the savage shark attack on Monday was used to incite 'anti-Semitic hatred'.
Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali said: 'After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person. Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations by the Israel Police and the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.'
Almashali added: 'We will continue working to confirm that we have indeed found the missing individual. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered.'
He added that fire service 'sincerely hope we have indeed found the diver who was attacked by the sharks.'
Israel Police said: 'As you can see, we are now on the second day of searching. We are sparing absolutely no resources. The Police Commissioner has instructed us to deploy all available forces to assist with the search effort.
'Several findings have been sent for examination, and we are awaiting the results. Our primary goal is to bring closure to the family. We will continue our efforts until we locate the missing person.'
A friend of the deceased said: 'I warned him not to go into the sea, and then I received the bitter news.'
What is left of the man's body has been transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification and examination.
This beach area is said to be well-used among swimmers and surfers, who play with sharks' fins and throw fish for them to eat.
However, according to the JNS, swimming in the water off Olga Beach is prohibited.
An eyewitness said that the man's haunting last words were: 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten,' as he waved his hands in the air.'
Speaking to Channel 12 News, they said: 'After a few minutes, sharks bit him - and suddenly he disappeared.'
Videos shared on social media show other beach-goers, including children, standing in the water and marvelling at the sharks as they swam around their legs just moments before the man was attacked.
Some holidaymakers coming to the area to see the sharks would even grab them by their tails and beat them with an oar, according to the chairwoman of the Israeli Shark Association.
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel has reacted to the shark attack by saying that it called on the state four years ago to regulate behaviour.
It said: 'Every winter, a unique phenomenon occurs in Israel in which sharks and rays gather at the outlet of the warm waters of the power stations.
'In the case of such a fascinating and public-attracting phenomenon, it would be appropriate to take conservation and safety measures for the public, but over the years, chaos has developed in the area.
'I started recording and saw they were sharks. They got within 164 to 328ft of the shoreline, which caused panic among swimmers.
'Still, some tried to approach them despite the lifeguard's clear orders to get out of the water. The sharks moved from south to north, did a sort of 'dance', and eventually disappeared.'
Shark attacks in the Mediterranean are extremely rare, with only 50 recorded since 1900, and only 11 being fatal.
The man is believed to have been attacked by at least three sharks.
Following the incident, police have closed Olga Beach to swimmers until further notice.
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