Man Charged for Brutally Assaulting Teen on Bus Over Smile in Tiberias

A 29-year-old man from Afula, Yishai Wasi, was charged on August 4, 2026, with violently assaulting a 16-year-old boy on a bus in Tiberias. The attack reportedly stemmed from the teen smiling at Wasi, who threatened the boy, followed him onto another bus, and then physically assaulted him. According to the police investigation, the incident occurred in the evening while the teenager was traveling from Haifa to Tiberias with friends. Wasi warned the boy, saying, "If you smile again, I will break your face." After arriving at the Tiberias central bus station, the teen boarded a bus to the Jordan Valley with a friend, and Wasi followed, sitting a few seats ahead. Shortly after the bus departed, Wasi threw his phone at the boy and struck him multiple times in the face and head, causing serious injuries including a broken tooth, nosebleed, swelling on the nasal bridge, and a bruise under the right eye. Wasi continued to threaten the teen, demanding respect and warning of further violence. The victim was taken to the hospital by his parents for treatment. Northern District police arrested Wasi shortly after the attack and filed charges of assault causing serious injury and threats, along with a request to detain him until the end of legal proceedings.