Teen Admits Stabbing Victim in Court During Israeli Independence Day Attack

The main suspect in the murder of Imanu Zalka, a 21-year-old killed on Israeli Independence Day in Petah Tikva, has admitted in court to stabbing the victim. The suspect's lawyer stated that the teenager acknowledged carrying a knife, coming to the scene for a fight, and stabbing Zalka. However, the defense attorney argued that the defendant did not intend for the stabbing to be fatal and is requesting a conviction for negligent homicide instead of murder. The court ordered the 15-year-old suspect to remain in custody until the trial concludes, denying his request for house arrest. The indictment against the primary defendant was filed in May. Charges have also been brought against 15 other minors, mostly aged 14 to 16, who are accused of aggravated assault, a charge carrying up to 20 years in prison.

The incident occurred on April 22 when a group of teenagers entered a pizza shop in Petah Tikva, causing a disturbance. Zalka asked them to stop bothering customers and to leave. After Zalka finished work and was leaving the pizzeria around 1 a.m., the teenagers ambushed him. During the struggle, Zalka was stabbed in the leg, severing a femoral artery. He was rushed to Beilinson Hospital in critical condition but died from his wounds shortly after. The suspects fled the scene.