BREAKING: Netanyahu Condemns Petah Tikva Stabbing, Promises Swift Action

According to a report by The Times Of Israel on April 26, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the killing of 21-year-old Pizza Hut worker Yemanu Binyamin Zelka, describing the stabbing in Petah Tikva as a “heinous murder” and pledging firm responses through law enforcement and education.

Speaking at the opening of a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, “I was shocked by the heinous murder in Petah Tikva,” and noted that he plans to meet with Education Minister Yoav Kisch and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to address the incident and consider further measures.

He stressed the need for strict legal action, stating, “The law must be fully applied to the murderers.” He also emphasized the importance of societal responsibility, adding that “it must be instilled in classrooms and in homes, by teachers and parents, that this is a criminal act that must be denounced.”

Zelka was fatally stabbed on Independence Day after he reportedly asked a group of teenagers not to spray party foam inside the restaurant where he worked. Authorities have arrested eight teens in connection with the attack, which has sparked widespread anger.

Netanyahu also raised concerns about what he called “wild incitement” that emerged after the killing, warning against escalating tensions in the aftermath of the incident.

“This is something we cannot accept. We must stop it and uproot it while it is still small,” he said, urging calm and responsibility.

The prime minister’s remarks come as public outrage continues to grow, with hundreds of people gathering outside the Petah Tikva restaurant to demand stronger police action. Protesters were heard chanting, “Ben Gvir, wake up,” calling for a more decisive response from authorities.