Israeli Tourists Attacked by Locals in Montenegro, One Suffers Jaw Fracture

A group of Israeli tourists from the Gaza envelope area was violently attacked by about twenty locals while vacationing in Montenegro. The assault occurred roughly a week ago as the Israelis were sitting on a beach and not disturbing anyone. Two of the victims, Kerem Lavi and Naftali Cohen, recounted the incident in an interview with Israeli news outlet KAN 12. Initially approached by four men who asked where they were from, the group openly said they were Israeli, which led to verbal abuse including anti-Israel slurs and threats.

The situation escalated when a larger group of about twenty people returned and physically assaulted the Israelis. One victim was punched unconscious, kicked in the face and chest, and another suffered a broken jaw requiring surgery. Several others were injured, with many losing consciousness during the roughly ten-minute attack. The victims tried to avoid further harm by keeping low and not drawing attention, but the attackers continued to target them. The assailants shouted anti-Jewish and pro-Palestinian slogans such as "Free Palestine."

After the attack, the Israelis sought help from local police, but the officers reportedly ignored their pleas and accused them of causing a disturbance. The group was left traumatized, with some members hospitalized and one flown back to Israel for surgery. The victims described fear and anxiety following the attack, reluctant to leave their accommodation and initially hesitant to inform their families. The incident highlights tensions faced by Israeli tourists abroad and raises concerns about safety in Montenegro for visitors from Israel.