Panic briefly erupts at Memorial Day event in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square after man arrested; police stress: no security threat

Israelis marking Memorial Day near Habima Square in Tel Aviv on April 29, 2025, are seen after a person is arrested by police in the area in what is termed a criminal incident. (Screenshot, Kan news)
Israelis marking Memorial Day near Habima Square in Tel Aviv on April 29, 2025, are seen after a person is arrested by police in the area in what is termed a criminal incident. (Screenshot, Kan news)

Chaos briefly breaks out at a Memorial Day ceremony in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square after a man is arrested on suspicion of trying to attack police officers.

The arrest, which police say was due to suspected criminal activity — meaning that there was no risk of it being a terror attack — sets off panic among onlookers, who begin to flee the square, fearing an unfolding security incident.

Among the fleeing crowds, false rumors of gunshots also begin to spread, contributing to the panic.

The Israel Police issues a statement aimed at reassuring the public: “There is no security incident at Habima in Tel Aviv, and there was no shooting.”

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