Israeli Police Arrest Man for Vandalizing News 12 Entrance and Leaving Threatening Letter

Israeli police have arrested a man in his 40s from Ramat Gan suspected of damaging property and issuing threats against media personnel and public figures. The arrest followed an intensive investigation by the Tel Aviv Central Unit, Ayalon Police, and the Shin Bet. The incident occurred on July 28, when officers noticed during a routine patrol that the glass door at the entrance to News 12 offices on HaHaskala Boulevard in Tel Aviv had been smashed. Near the entrance, a threatening letter targeting public figures and journalists was found.

According to the investigation, the suspect threw stones at the entrance doors before fleeing the scene, leaving the threatening letter behind. Police used security camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimonies to identify the suspect, who is a resident of Rishon Lezion. This is the second such attack on News 12’s entrance within a month; a similar incident occurred on July 5, but no suspect had been apprehended then, and it remains unclear if the two events are connected.

News 12 condemned the attack as a "real alarm," emphasizing that the safety of its journalists is non-negotiable and called on the Israeli police to act swiftly to prevent further violence. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also addressed the issue, speaking with Police Commissioner Danni Levi and stressing that violence used to intimidate and silence voices is unacceptable and harms democracy. The police commissioner responded by promising urgent discussions on the matter.

The suspect is currently under investigation for property damage, threats, and disturbing public order. Authorities plan to request his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings. Details about the content of the threatening letter and the motive behind the attack have not yet been released.