The incident on the Tel Aviv beach led to the arrest of a young woman who allegedly threw sand at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The police decided to keep the suspect in custody, a decision that has stirred public and legal discussions.
The suspect was filmed being led from the Lev Tel Aviv police station in handcuffs and shackles. After hours of uncertainty about her whereabouts, it was revealed that she had been transferred to Neve Tirtza Prison.
A petition filed with the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court against the detention decision was rejected by Judge Roy Perry. The police argued that, in addition to the suspicion of assaulting the minister, the woman is also suspected of obstructing the investigation. A further hearing on her detention is scheduled for Saturday evening.
The suspect’s family claims she suffers from a chronic illness that puts her at risk if deprived of sleep. Her lawyer commented after the court’s decision: “We did everything legally possible to secure her release tonight and spare her the harsh and dangerous experience of detention. It’s hard to believe that throwing sand at the beach has become a justifiable reason to arrest a woman with no criminal record, simply because of the identity of the public figure involved.”
Minister Ben Gvir responded to the incident on his X account: “I went to the beach in Tel Aviv for a few hours today with my family and was warmly received by the beachgoers. A small group of left-wing protesters started yelling at me, telling me to leave. They have the right to do so, that’s freedom of expression, but the beach doesn’t belong to them. I thank the police and security for acting decisively to arrest a woman who threw a handful of sand at me and my small children. Violence is a red line.”
The suspect’s lawyer, Nir Alfasa, said: “She denies the allegations against her. She was swimming and playing in the sand while the minister was walking by, and she didn’t even join the shouting of other beachgoers against him. Her arrest once again proves that the police easily arrest law-abiding citizens instead of fighting real criminals. This whole arrest is much ado about nothing.”
In response to the criticism, the police stated: “Following the arrest of the suspect for the attack on Minister Ben Gvir, since last night we have been witnessing a blatant smear campaign against the police and its officers, including publications that distort the truth and facts by interested parties trying to create a false picture of reality and undermine police work. It is unfortunate that Knesset member Lazimi chose to describe the police’s conduct as mafioso. It is expected that the defamatory and unworthy statements, including by public officials, adhere to the facts.”
