From the Liveblog of
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Arab journalist accosted by right-wing activists while leaving hearing over harassment
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleRight-wing activists are seen hounding Arab Israeli journalist Lucy Aharish and her partner, actor Tzachi Halevi as they leave the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court today.
The mob follows the couple while chanting “shame” as they get into a taxi. Police are present but do little to prevent contact between the couple and those harassing them.
מרדכי דוד, תומך נתניהו, תוקף מילולית בצעקות ומתקרב בצורה מאיימת אל לוסי אהריש וצחי הלוי בצאתם מבית המשפט
לצידו של מרדכי קבוצת שוטרים שאפשרה מגע פיזי עם צחי הלויתל אביב 22/03/2026 (תיעוד עצמי של התוקף) pic.twitter.com/WpR33KdACx
— אלימות ישראל (@Alimut_Israel) March 22, 2026
The mob is led by Mordechai David, a far-right agitator who regularly films himself harassing liberal journalists and public figures.
Aharish, one of the most prominent Arab journalists in Israel, has been subject to incessant stalking and harassment over a statement she made last month in which she expressed her hope that Arab citizens would “flock to the voting booths” to bring about a change in government, adding the Arabic word “Inshallah,” meaning “God willing.”
Earlier this month, Aharish and Halevi filed a lawsuit against Likud activist Rami Ben-Yehuda, suing him for NIS 2.6 million ($840,000) for leading a racist and violent harassment campaign against them.
They are seeking compensation for defamation, invasion of privacy and trespassing, among other claims, due to several protests outside the couple’s home, one of which saw David try to enter their home.
The Times of Israel Community.