Man Accused of Knife Attack on Security Guard at Yavneem Welfare Office

A 37-year-old resident of Yavneem was indicted on Tuesday for allegedly attacking a security guard with a knife at the city's welfare office. According to the indictment, the suspect refused to undergo a security check upon entering the welfare office and then violently lunged at the guard while brandishing a knife. A police officer who arrived at the scene intervened, pushing the suspect away, causing the knife to fall, and subsequently arrested him. The indictment, filed by Prosecutor Ortal Hamo from the Emek Prosecution Office, charges the suspect with threats, illegal possession of a knife, and obstructing a police officer.

The incident occurred on July 14 in the afternoon after a report was made to emergency services about a suspect causing a disturbance at the welfare office. Police patrol officers questioned the security guard when the suspect appeared and attacked the guard. Sergeant Major Maor Goldenberg, the investigating officer, stated that without the quick response of the police officer, the guard would have been stabbed. Welfare office staff were reportedly very frightened, with some locking themselves in rooms out of fear.

The suspect admitted to making threats but denied carrying a drawn knife. His defense attorney, Deputy District Public Defender Wasim Daher, noted the suspect has a known medical background, denies the charges, and requires rehabilitative treatment. The court case is proceeding at the Nazareth Magistrate's Court.