Kaplan Hospital Employee Arrested for Assaulting Doctors Treating His Son

Over the weekend, police arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of assaulting medical staff at Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot. The incident reportedly occurred in the emergency room while the medical team was providing life-saving treatment to the suspect's son, who had been stabbed and rushed to the hospital. According to details, the father arrived at the hospital and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the medical staff. During the altercation, he allegedly slapped one doctor treating his son and pushed another female doctor involved in the care.

During a remand hearing on Friday at the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court, it was revealed that the suspect has been an employee at Kaplan Hospital for over 20 years. The police requested an extension of his detention on charges of assaulting a public servant and threats. The suspect's defense attorney argued for his release, claiming the actions were an emotional response to the severe situation involving his son. The lawyer stated, "Anyone with children in such a situation would act emotionally," and noted that the suspect admitted responsibility and no physical injuries were caused to the medical staff.

However, the court decided to extend the suspect's detention, citing reasonable suspicion and emphasizing the suspect's dangerousness, especially given a prior conviction in 2023 for violent offenses and property damage. The judge also expressed concern that releasing the suspect at this stage could risk interference with the investigation. The inquiry into the incident is ongoing.