Physical Altercation Erupts Between Right-Wing Activist Mordechai David and Journalist Anat Kam in Tel Aviv

A physical confrontation occurred on Monday evening near the State Square in Tel Aviv between right-wing activist Mordechai David and journalist Anat Kam during a Haredi protest outside Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's residence. Both parties offered conflicting accounts of the incident. David claimed there were verbal exchanges during which Kam allegedly punched his phone, while Kam asserted that David pushed his phone into her face, prompting her to throw it back at him.

David said he began filming after Kam damaged his phone and that he gently pushed her away when she tried to strike his camera. He also quoted Kam as saying, "The punch you got was deserved." David emphasized that he restrained himself from using more force out of respect for her being a woman and to avoid police involvement. Conversely, Kam described David as invading her personal space, verbally provoking her with insults and accusations, and justified her reaction by stating, "Those who push phones into people's faces shouldn't be surprised if it's thrown back."

Kam declined to file a police complaint, citing more important matters for both herself and law enforcement. She referenced the recent public support for Rimon Buchstab, who confronted a terrorist with dignity, asserting that no one should lower their gaze before "smaller people" like David. Mordechai David is known for blocking opponents of the government on social media and receives backing from politicians including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Anat Kam was convicted of serious espionage and unauthorized disclosure of classified information during her military service, resulting in a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.