Six Israeli Minors Detained in Stabbing Death of IDF Soldier Yemanu Binyamin Zalka After Independence Day Incident in Petah Tikva

Six Israeli minors have been detained by police in connection with the stabbing death of a pizzeria worker in Petah Tikva on Israel’s Independence Day.

The victim, identified as Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, a recently released IDF soldier, was stabbed outside a Pizza Hut restaurant in the Kfar Ganim neighborhood after finishing his shift late on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, which marked Independence Day eve.

According to reports, Zalka approached a group of teenagers who were using party spray inside the restaurant and politely asked them to stop. The teens waited outside for him to finish his shift and then attacked him when he left the building.

Medics from Magen David Adom provided first aid at the scene, including stopping the bleeding, before transporting Zalka to Beilinson Hospital in severe condition. He succumbed to his wounds at the hospital on Thursday night.

Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg confirmed the incident, stating that the attack occurred after the victim asked the teenagers not to use party spray in the establishment. The mayor said some 10 youths were involved in the assault, though one was primarily responsible for the lethal stabbing.

Israel Police have detained six minors in relation to the killing. One minor had previously been arrested in connection with the case, but further details were barred from publication because the suspect is a minor.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the Bnei Akiva youth movement issuing a statement saying it was “shocked and pained at his murder.” Candles were placed outside the Pizza Hut in Petah Tikva in memory of the victim.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, and no further details have been released regarding the suspects or potential charges due to their minor status.