Six Teenagers Detained in Fatal Stabbing of Petah Tikva Pizzeria Worker on Independence Day

Six teenagers are in custody for the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Yamenu Binyamin Zelka in Petah Tikva on Independence Day following a dispute over party spray.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

A Tragic Confrontation in Kfar Ganim

The celebration of Israel's 78th Independence Day was marred by a violent incident in the Kfar Ganim neighborhood of Petah Tikva, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Yamenu Binyamin Zelka. While working his shift at a local Pizza Hut in the early hours of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Zelka reportedly approached a group of approximately ten teenagers who were behaving disruptively. According to witness reports, the conflict began when Zelka politely requested that the group stop using party spray, a common holiday accessory, inside the dining area. The confrontation escalated after Zelka completed his shift and exited the building around 1 a.m., where the group was allegedly waiting to ambush him.

Law Enforcement Response and Initial Arrests

In the wake of the stabbing, Israeli law enforcement launched an intensive investigation that led to the arrest of six suspects, all of whom are minors between the ages of 13 and 17. While the Kan public broadcaster initially reported the detention of a single minor on Thursday, the scope of the investigation expanded quickly as Hebrew media outlets confirmed five additional arrests by Saturday morning. Investigators believe that while a larger group of roughly ten youths was involved in the physical assault, one primary suspect is responsible for delivering the lethal stab wound. As of April 25, the Israel Police have not issued a formal public statement, but the suspects remain in custody for further interrogation.

Escalation from Holiday Revelry to Violence

The motive behind the killing appears to be a direct retaliation for Zelka’s attempt to maintain order within his workplace. Reports from Haaretz and other local outlets indicate that the teenagers were using "snow spray" and other holiday novelties that had been prohibited inside the establishment. After the initial verbal exchange, the youths reportedly lingered outside the restaurant for several minutes, specifically targeting Zelka as he left for the night. Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg issued a statement condemning the "senseless violence," noting that what should have been a night of national celebration turned into a profound tragedy for a young man simply performing his job.