"They beat me up because I'm gay": 16-year-old arrested as main suspect in Jaffa Port assault

A 16-year-old minor has been arrested as the main suspect in a violent assault at Jaffa Port, after the victim, Idan, recounted being hit with a helmet, kicked, and nearly stabbed due to his sexual orientation. Police will request an extension of his remand and are investigating a suspected homophobic motive. This arrest follows the investigation of another 17-year-old minor who was released under restrictive conditions.

A 16-year-old minor has been arrested as the main suspect in a violent assault that occurred at Jaffa Port, after the victim, Idan, a Tel Aviv resident, published a harrowing account of the incident. Idan said he was leaving a performance by Lihi Toledano at the Barbi Club with his friend Arel when a man began commenting on his appearance and hurling homophobic slurs at him. According to Idan, the man took a helmet and struck him in the head multiple times, after which four or five other men joined in, kicking him while saying they wanted to kill him. The attacker also smashed a glass bottle on the ground and attempted to stab him. Idan's friend screamed and began filming in an attempt to drive off the attackers, and police were called to the scene. The arrest of the 16-year-old follows the investigation of another 17-year-old minor, who was questioned on suspicion of involvement and released under restrictive conditions including house arrest. Police will request an extension of the 16-year-old's remand at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, and the investigation is examining whether the assault was carried out out of hatred based on sexual orientation.