Yemanu Binyamin Zalka

Israeli authorities indict 16 teens over Independence Day murder of pizzeria worker

The suspects were also charged with additional offenses, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

|BySARAH BEN-NUN
YEMANU BINYAMIN Zalka, 21, was stabbed in Petah Tikva on Independence Day and later succumbed to his wounds.
Protesters gather outside a court in Petah Tikva, holding signs and calling for justice following the killing of Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, a Pizza Hut employee who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, May 5, 2026.

Family criticizes prosecution for indictment of Zalka murder suspect, calls for public rally

“They chose to stick to the dry law. At this rate, the next murder is just around the corner,” said the family of the prosecution's decision to indict the suspect with murder with indifference.

|ByARIELLA ROITMAN, HODAYA RAN
People gather outside a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of employee Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, April 25, 2026.

Police transfer Zalka murder case to district attorney, family pushes for 'harshest punishment'

Three of the teenagers have already been released to house arrest, while prosecutors are expected to request that 10 others remain in custody until the end of legal proceedings.

|ByHODAYA RAN