Supreme Court Increases Sentences for Attackers of Lawyer Ronen Ben Tzvi

The Supreme Court has significantly increased the prison sentences for a father and son convicted of brutally assaulting lawyer Ronen Ben Tzvi in Jaffa. The court accepted the prosecution's appeal, extending the son's sentence from four years to six years and eight months, and the father's sentence from two years to three years. The attack, which occurred in July 2025, left Ben Tzvi with severe, permanent brain damage and complete dependence on others. The incident began when Ben Tzvi arrived at a building for property eviction work. The father confronted Ben Tzvi, while the son attacked him from behind, punching and kicking him in the head even after he fell. Justice Noam Sohlberg stated that the "wild violence shattered" Ben Tzvi's life, rendering him unable to speak coherently or recognize loved ones. The attackers also attempted to obstruct the investigation by hiding evidence and influencing witnesses. The prosecution argued that the original sentences were insufficient given the severity of the acts and the attackers' dangerousness. The father, Ibrahim Negar, had a history of criminal behavior and showed no genuine remorse. Ben Tzvi's brother, Doron Ben Tzvi, described the devastating impact on his brother's life, stating, "My brother is better off dead than alive." He also criticized the police investigation for delays that allowed evidence to be concealed, leading to a less severe initial indictment. The Supreme Court cited the father's criminal past and lack of accountability, along with the need to protect the public from the son's dangerousness, as reasons for the sentence increase.