Police have arrested an eighth suspect in the killing of Yamano Binyamin Zelka, a 21-year-old pizza shop employee who was fatally stabbed on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day in Petach Tikva, as the investigation into the case continues to expand.
According to police, officers from the Central District, led by the Sharon region’s serious crime unit, took the additional suspect into custody on Sunday in connection with the violent altercation that led to Zelka’s death. The latest suspect is a minor, bringing the total number of detainees in the case to eight and underscoring the scale of the incident and the extensive investigative efforts underway.
The investigation, which remains under a court-issued gag order, is focused on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the brutal street fight in Petach Tikva that claimed Zelka’s life. Zelka, who worked at a local pizzeria, was attacked after finishing his shift.
Of the eight suspects arrested so far, two have been released to extended house arrest for 12 days by court order, while the remaining suspects have been brought before a judge for hearings on extending their detention as investigators continue gathering evidence. Authorities are working to determine each suspect’s role, including who carried out the stabbing and who may have assisted afterward.
“Israel Police shares in the family’s grief and will continue to act decisively to complete the investigation, establish an evidentiary foundation, and bring all those involved to justice,” the police said in a statement.
At the same time, disturbing footage from the violent confrontation has surfaced. Due to the graphic nature of the material, only brief and blurred segments have been made public.
The attack took place shortly after 1:15 a.m. on the night of Independence Day. Zelka was rushed in critical condition to Beilinson Hospital, where doctors fought for his life for two days before he was pronounced dead on Thursday.
According to details emerging from the investigation, a group of youths is suspected of lying in wait for Zelka outside his workplace. When he finished his shift, they allegedly ambushed and stabbed him. As of earlier stages of the investigation, no arrests had initially been reported.
Tamir Zilber, manager of the pizzeria where Zelka worked for five years, described the victim as a dedicated and well-liked employee who had steadily advanced in his role—from bicycle delivery to motorcycle courier, and eventually to shift manager.
“He was a good, smiling kid, a true friend who helped anyone who needed it. A guy who knew how to work and loved to work, always looking to give more of himself,” Zilber said.
Recounting the moments leading up to the attack, Zilber said: “The youths came inside and started spraying ‘snow spray’ on the customers. The workers asked them to go outside. After a few minutes, they came back and threatened the workers again, and we thought it was over. Then a delivery worker came into the branch and said that the employee had been stabbed. He was sitting there and didn’t respond to me. I immediately called MDA. As soon as we heard the terrible news, we closed the branch.”
Emergency medical teams from Magen David Adom’s Yarkon region arrived quickly at the scene and found Zelka unconscious with a penetrating wound. After providing lifesaving treatment on-site, they transported him urgently to the hospital, but his injuries proved fatal.
The shocking incident has left residents of Petach Tikva reeling and prompted a strong response from Mayor Rami Greenberg, who issued a lengthy and emotional statement.
“There are no words to describe the depth of the shock and pain over the loss of a young life under such harsh and cruel circumstances. This was a young man who worked for his livelihood, who politely asked a group of youths not to spray inside the pizzeria where he worked—and in response, he was stabbed to death. This is an inconceivable event, which shows how quickly violence can escalate and exact the heaviest price. The youths who attacked and murdered will be caught by the police and brought to justice. There is no comfort in that, but there is a clear commitment to justice,” Greenberg said.
He also issued a direct appeal to young people and parents, urging serious reflection.
“Avoid violence! There is no heroism in it, only destruction. One moment of anger can destroy entire lives—the victim’s, the family’s, and even the attackers themselves,” he said.
Turning to parents, Greenberg added: “Talk to your children. Be involved, show interest, check where they spend time and with whom, especially at night. Responsibility belongs to all of us. The Petach Tikva Municipality operates a wide range of educational, awareness, and enforcement measures to combat violence and will intensify its efforts, but that is not enough. We must act together across all systems and speak with our youth at home and in educational frameworks. This is a moment for reflection. We must act together to prevent the next case. I share in the family’s grief during this difficult time. We will continue to support them as needed. May his memory be blessed.”
{Matzav.com}
