The Israel Police is seeking an aggravated murder charge for the main teenage suspect in the murder of Yemanu Zelka.
Police say they will also recommend charges of joint enterprise murder and aggravated assault for several of the other suspects in the case.
The prosecutor’s office is expected to file the indictments early next week.
On Monday, police confirmed that they had arrested all 19 minors suspected of involvement in the killing of 21-year-old Zelka on Independence Day, after two weeks of searches.
Zelka, a 21-year-old Pizza Hut employee in Petah Tikva, was stabbed to death on the night of the holiday in an attack by a group of adolescents after he told them not to spray party foam in the restaurant.
After waiting outside for Zelka to finish his late-night shift, the youths ambushed and beat him, with one assailant taking out a knife and stabbing him. He died of his wounds a day later.
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From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 8, 2026
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