Negev High School Principal Arrested for Allegedly Biting Student Amid Brawl

A high school principal in the Negev region of Israel has been arrested on suspicion of biting a student during a brawl. The incident occurred after the principal himself reported a fight at the school, which allegedly involved his son and nephew. Following his interrogation, the principal was released to house arrest for five days under restrictive conditions. The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.

The principal claims he was provoked. In a letter to his colleagues, he stated that a 12th-grade student had threatened his son and himself with severe curses and humiliation. He reported these threats to the police and contacted the student's parents, but felt he did not receive an adequate response. The principal alleges that the student, despite an agreement for his suspension, arrived at school the next day, ambushed his son, and attacked him solely because he was the principal's son. He further claims the student then attempted to physically assault him in his office, but was prevented by other teachers.

According to the principal's account, the police arrived only after the attack, and he filed a formal complaint. He was later summoned to the police station to give testimony. He expressed surprise at being detained and interrogated under caution, describing the process of identification, fingerprinting, and photographing as humiliating. He learned during the investigation that the student who attacked his son had filed a false report against him. The principal felt the interrogating officer was dismissive of his account.

Upon his release to house arrest, the principal noted that the aggressive student remained free. The following day, when his two sons went to file a complaint, they were also arrested and placed under house arrest. The principal discovered that the student had demanded he remove a negative TikTok post about him. When this was not done, the student allegedly decided to retaliate against the principal's children and himself.

The principal expressed feelings of deep distress, stating he felt abandoned by the police, the Ministry of Education, the teachers' union, and the local council. He believes he and his family acted appropriately and legally, yet they were treated as criminals. He concluded that in the current climate of rampant violence and lack of systemic support, being a school principal is not worthwhile after a quarter-century of educational service.