Avi Cohen – www.israelhayom.com

Former model arrested on suspicion of hotel room break-ins

miriw — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00:36 +0000

A famous former model, who became a key suspect in a series of hotel room break-ins in Tel Aviv, was remanded on Wednesday for three days. At the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court hearing, a complex picture of the night's events emerged, with the suspect allegedly fleeing on an electric scooter.

The first incident reportedly took place at a hotel on Bograshov Street, and the second on 88 Hayarkon Street, where the suspect is suspected of moving quickly from one break-in to another.

The first incident reportedly took place at a hotel on Bograshov Street, and the second on 88 Hayarkon Street, where the suspect is suspected of moving quickly from one break-in to another (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto

In the second incident, the model allegedly opened the door to a hotel room, saw people sleeping inside, and fled immediately. "There is no requirement for evidence of a break-in in burglary offenses," the police officer explained when asked about the absence of signs of forced entry.

The model's attorney argued, "In both incidents, there are no complainants stated to the police. One event was on November 7, two weeks have passed, and no one has filed a complaint. There are no security cameras, no fingerprints, and no identification of the suspect by the complainants."

Police claimed, "The suspect appears to be homeless, did not provide an address, and cannot say where he lives. At the time of his arrest, he was caught with expensive property and had no explanation for it." The officer added that he "has a lengthy and serious prior record of property offenses" and is under a suspended sentence. The police representative stressed the seriousness: "The great danger stems from the fact that the suspect broke into rooms while people were present. The event could have easily escalated and ended differently."

Ultimately, the court extended the model's remand, found reasonable suspicion that he committed the offenses attributed to him, and determined that his actions posed a risk.

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Former Military Advocate General hospitalized after taking sleeping pills

omrif — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 07:00:41 +0000

Former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was taken to Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital on Sunday morning following a medical incident after ingesting sleeping pills. According to medical officials, she was fully conscious when evacuated. Magen David Adom paramedics were dispatched to her home, and her life is not currently in danger. Authorities are examining whether the incident had a suicidal background.

A police source said that Tomer-Yerushalmi "is responsible for herself. The investigation team received a medical opinion stating she was found fit to undergo questioning and legal proceedings. Had the district psychiatrist believed there was any danger, conditions for her release or compulsory hospitalization would have been set."

Former Military Advocate General Tomer-Yerushalmi. Photo: ZAKA, Oren Ben Hakoon

Ichilov Hospital stated that "the former Military Advocate General was admitted this morning to the emergency department, where medical teams are currently assessing her condition."

The hospitalization follows recent developments in an ongoing police investigation. Yesterday, it was reported that the cyber unit of the Israel Police Investigations Division is trying to determine whether the internal memory of Tomer-Yerushalmi's iPhone, found two days ago in the sea off Hof Hatsuk beach, remained intact after spending several days in saltwater.

A police source familiar with the details told Israel Hayom that "the fact the phone displayed a lock screen doesn't mean the memory is functioning. After five days in seawater, that's highly unlikely."

Police emphasized that Tomer-Yerushalmi remains a suspect in obstruction of justice and filing a false report. Officials also criticized politicians, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin, accusing them of "playing politics with an active investigation." They added that even if the High Court of Justice transfers authority to Judge Kola, he has no power to run the investigation. "Such investigations, even under normal circumstances, are conducted by the Israel Police under the supervision of the head of the Investigations Division," they said.

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IDF Military Advocate General Tomer-Yerushalmi found alive

omrif — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:15:31 +0000

After being missing since the morning hours, police announced Sunday that Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was found safe and in good condition.

Large police forces had been searching off Cliff Beach in Tel Aviv for the Military Advocate General after contact with her was lost earlier in the day. Her car was found abandoned, with a letter she had left behind.

Video: Search underway for Military Advocate General Tomer-Yerushalmi off Cliff Beach

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the cabinet regarding the latest developments in the Sde Teiman affair, following Tomer-Yerushalmi's admission to leaking the video and her resignation. Netanyahu said, The incident at Sde Teiman caused enormous damage to Israel and the IDF — perhaps the most serious propaganda blow since the founding of the state. This requires an independent and impartial investigation.

Legal sources told Israel Hayom that the attorney general and the High Court petitions department, which represented the Military Advocate General's Office and issued its responses to the High Court of Justice, were unaware of and surprised by Tomer-Yerushalmi's involvement in the leak of the Sde Teiman video. They said they had relied on information provided to them by relevant officials in the Military Advocate General's Office.

Further details to follow.

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Israeli model found dead at Bat Yam apartment

omrif — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 22:02:31 +0000

Model Daniel Marziko, 25, was found dead on Friday in an apartment in Bat Yam.

The Israel Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, and his body has been sent for examination at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Marziko was reportedly seen last night at a nightclub and had posted photos on social media. For now, police have not released additional details, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Known Israeli model arrested on suspicion of involvement in murder

omrif — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:15:01 +0000

A well-known Israeli model was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of involvement in a murder in Petah Tikva, a city in central Israel. The model had previously been linked to another high-profile investigation.

According to the allegations, the model met with three other men at an apartment, and was later joined by the victim, a resident of the Sharon region. During the evening, an argument broke out, during which the victim was stabbed, collapsed, and died.

Investigators say the victim's body was then mutilated and transferred to the Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine.

A gag order has been issued, barring publication of details of the investigation, the suspect's identity, and information on other individuals involved in the case.

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Bizarre robbery in Tel Aviv ends with 20 shekel tip

ErezL — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:59:53 +0000

The Tel Aviv District Court has received an indictment against a 36-year-old Ramat Gan resident for two robberies, the first of which involved a bizarre scene where the knife-wielding suspect stole 1,000 shekels ($282) from a Tel Aviv convenience store before oddly leaving a 20 shekel ($5.64) bill on the counter, stating, "Take it, it's not personal." The suspect was arrested on the same day after a second robbery in Ramat Gan, and prosecutors are now arguing for his continued detention given his previous convictions for violence and weapon offenses.

According to the indictment submitted Thursday to the Tel Aviv District Court, a 36-year-old Ramat Gan resident perpetrated two robberies approximately three weeks ago. The first incident took place at 6:06 a.m. at a convenience store on Derech Hashalom in Tel Aviv. As per the indictment, the defendant arrived at the location wearing a helmet and clutching a knife, approached the store employee who was standing by the register, and threatened him with the knife while demanding, "Open the register."

The employee, feeling threatened, opened the register, and the defendant took at least 1,000 shekels ($282) from it. Before fleeing, the defendant left a 20 shekel ($5.64) bill and told the employee, "Take it, it's not personal." Only six hours later, the defendant carried out a second robbery – this time at a kiosk on Uzi'el Street in Ramat Gan. The indictment details that the defendant arrived on his motorcycle, again wearing a helmet but this time holding a knife about 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) long. He entered the store, threatened the employee with the knife, and compelled him toward the register while issuing threats. The defendant opened the register himself and took about 700 shekels ($197) from it. When the employee attempted to restrain him, the defendant successfully escaped on his motorcycle.

Israeli bills following a robbery (file) / Israel Police

The defendant was arrested the same day, and his remand has been extended numerous times since then. This occurred following the identification of the motorcycle's license plate and the recovery of the knife used by the defendant to execute the robbery – which was found protruding from his motorcycle seat. Furthermore, the clothes and helmet he wore during the robberies, along with 320 shekels ($90.24) in cash, were seized at his home. In his police interrogations, the defendant primarily chose to invoke his right to remain silent. Regarding the knife discovered on the motorcycle, he claimed that the police officers had planted it there, and he denied that the seized clothes were his.

The prosecution requested that the defendant remain in custody until the conclusion of proceedings, arguing that "such acts, which erode the public's sense of security, constitute a violation of property and carry the potential for physical harm to innocent individuals working for their livelihood". It was also noted that the defendant has four prior convictions for offenses involving violence, weapons, and drugs from the years 2006–2017, having served actual prison time for some of them.

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Crowds fill Hostages Square ahead of release

omrif — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:35 +0000

Even before sunrise, the square was already full. By 4 a.m., people were gatheringm, silent, tense, some wrapped in Israeli flags printed with the emblem of the hostages. Others sat on plastic chairs facing the large screens set up on the main stage, watching the morning broadcasts and waiting for a moment that would go down in history: the hostages' anticipated release from Gaza.

Unlike previous rounds of releases, this time everyone knows, it's happening all at once. No more partial lists, no more anxiety over who will return and who will remain. Under the agreement, all are coming home. According to the Palestinian Quds channel, the first transfer is expected at 8 a.m., with the second at 10 a.m., the same hour that Israel is set to begin releasing the imprisoned terrorists.

By the piano belonging to Alon Ohel, now a symbol since his abduction during the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, several people stood as one of them played softly. "We're not leaving until he plays this piano again," said Sigalit, 34, from Ramat Hasharon, wrapped in an Israeli flag. "I didn't know Alon personally, but everyone who comes here feels as if we all know each other."

On one of the chairs sat an older man in a thin coat. Shai Mizrahi, in his 60s from Givatayim, had arrived at midnight. "I couldn't stay home. I listened to the news all night, tried to fall asleep, but decided to come here because I felt I had to be here when they come out. Maybe then my heart will calm down a bit."

Not far away stood Amit and Neta, both 22, holding disposable cups of coffee and staring at the screen silently. "We got here at four in the morning, straight from our apartment five minutes away," Amit said. "We couldn't sleep. There's something about this square, we've come here every Saturday, sometimes even during the week. It's like being with the families, with the whole country."

Neta added, "Every time a news broadcast begins, people hold their breath. This is a moment that won't come again. We're all here to celebrate with the families of those returning, and to support the families of the fallen."

At exactly 6:29 a.m., Gideon, the square's announcer, called out to the growing crowd: "Everyone—now!" Hostages Square, which for two years has symbolized grief, struggle and pain, looked different this morning. Breaths were held again, but this time in tense anticipation for their return.

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Witkoff at Hostages Square: 'I dreamed of this'

omrif — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:26:37 +0000

Special US envoy Steve Witkoff was met with applause during a central rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as hundreds of thousands gathered to show solidarity with the families of those still held hostage in Gaza.

Witkoff, joined on stage by Jared Kushner, the former White House senior advisor and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, addressed an estimated crowd of 400,000, according to organizers. Both men appeared ahead of speeches by the families of hostages and former hostages , as part of a massive event demanding continued efforts to bring all hostages home.

Witkoff at the square. "You carried the weight of hope on your shoulders". Photo: Paulina Patimer

"I dreamed of this night," Witkoff said as chants of "thank you Trump" rang out. "It's been a long journey. This is a powerful sight. I don't know how many people are out there, but it seems like more than 100,000 tonight. All our hearts beat as one here in Tel Aviv — for peace, for unity, for hope, in this sacred place we call Hostage Square. I wish the president were here. He would love this."

Witkoff praised Trump as "the greatest president the world has ever seen," drawing a warm response from the crowd.

"I wish the president were here. Thank you. We stand here tonight — Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people from all over the world — united in one shared prayer for peace. Tonight, we celebrate something extraordinary. A moment many thought was impossible," he said.

Witkoff in front of hostage posters. Photo: Yehoshua Yosef

"But here we are, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen. Peace born not from politics but from bravery, the bravery of those who refuse to give up on hope. Above all, I want to honor the people of Israel. Your strength, your resilience, your unshakable spirit. Through unspeakable pain and loss, you have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You have prayed, endured, and shown that peace is not weakness, it is the highest form of strength."

The speech was briefly interrupted by loud booing from the crowd when Witkoff mentioned Netanyahu by name.

"To the families: you prayed through endless nights, never letting the world forget your loved ones. In doing so, you honored them. To the hostages themselves, our brothers and sisters, you are coming home. Your faces, names, and stories live in every heart here tonight and have lived in mine since I began this work."

"Your endurance, your faith, your will to live have become symbols of the human spirit that cannot be broken. And now, as you return to the embrace of your families and your nation, know that all of Israel and the entire world stand ready to welcome you home with open arms and infinite love."

"We remember the heroes and the innocent souls no longer with us, those taken from us on that horrific and tragic day, October 7, and those who have given their lives since, defending their freedom, their nation, this state of Israel, and peace. May their memory be a blessing. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. From their courage, we draw our strength."

"This peace is their legacy. It is a promise that their lives will be remembered not only in sorrow, but as a beacon of hope for a future without fear. So in closing, I say: May God bless the souls of the fallen. May God bless the hostages and their families as they return home. May God bless the State of Israel. May God bless the United States of America. And may God bless Donald J. Trump, the greatest president the world has ever seen. Thank you."

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Elation in Hostages Square: 'After two years, we can finally breathe'

omrif — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:11:33 +0000

Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, which since October 7, 2023, has stood as a symbol of pain, hope and perseverance, turned joyous overnight as tears of despair were replaced by tears of relief and happiness.

Since US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement, under which all 48 Israeli hostages would be released in the first phase, the square filled with families of the hostages, volunteers, and Israelis who simply couldn't stay home.

Dani Miran, the father of Omri Miran, set to return home as part of the deal, said: "This morning I'm full of joy. I haven't felt this way in two years. Just look at this happiness, it's greater than the birth of a child. You wait nine months for a baby, but I've waited two years. We haven't told the girls yet. We want him back here first. I haven't shaved my beard, because Omri no longer has his, they shaved it off. My beard has become a symbol."

Dani Miran, father of Omri, at the square Thursday morning. Photo: Yehoshua Yosef

Rotem Kuper, the son of Amiram Kuper, who was kidnapped and murdered in Gaza, and of Nurit Kuper, who was released weeks later, said: "It's all becoming real. Emotions are bubbling up. This is a wound that will never fully heal, and every time we confront it, the feelings return, mixed and raw. Still, we're trying to be happy. The hostages are coming home. Our beloved soldiers are coming home.

"We mustn't forget that we failed to bring them back in time. Shiri Bibas and her children lived there for months. We failed, as a society. Especially our prime minister. He doesn't deserve credit for bringing my father back in a body bag more than a year after his death. I don't even want to imagine how he died."

Einav Tzengaoker, mother of hostage Matan, was seen standing in front of his photo, holding a sign that read: "The clock keeps ticking, counting down the seconds until all 48 return home! The joy is overwhelming and justified, but our hearts and our struggle won't rest until the last of the hostages is back."

Other family members joined the scene, including Dani Elgart, whose brother Itzik Elgart was murdered in captivity. Survivors of captivity also arrived.

Even an early morning rain shower couldn't dampen the spirits. Families with children, many on Sukkot holiday break, arrived in droves.

Rally held at Hostages Square

Rotem Levi, a mother of two from Ramat Gan, said: "They woke up, heard about the deal, and asked to come. All year we talked at home about what it means to be a hostage, why everyone talks about this square. This morning they wanted to see what it looks like when hope becomes reality."

Nir Ben Shoshan, a Tel Aviv resident whose office is in the Azrieli Towers nearby, came with friends before work. "There's something in the air," he said. "This isn't just another day. After two years, we're finally seeing smiles, and that's no small thing in this country. This is a historic moment."

Yael, a volunteer at the square since the early days of the war, added: "I can't remember the last time I saw so many people with a spark in their eyes. We're still cautious, because everything depends on implementation. But it feels like it's finally happening. That all those long days and nights in the square weren't for nothing."

Eyal, who's visited the square at least twice a week over the past two years, looked around with emotion. "I've seen people here break down, pray, sing. And now, everyone's smiling. This is a moment no one can take from us."

Sharon Schwartz, a Tel Aviv resident, came with her 8-year-old son wrapped in an Israeli flag. "I wanted him to see what hope looks like," she said. "To know that an entire people came together for one cause: not leaving anyone behind."

Although the hostages are not expected to begin arriving until early next week, the celebrations began anyway. "It's only Thursday," Nir said with a smile, "but our hearts couldn't wait. After two years of fear and dread, we've earned the right to breathe."

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'We will not report for duty': Hundreds of reservists defy call-up

ErezL — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:11:41 +0000

Hundreds of reserve soldiers declared on Tuesday at a press conference in Tel Aviv their refusal to report for an operation to conquer Gaza City, following a decision by the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet. The press conference featured senior officers who served hundreds of days on reserve duty during the "Swords of Iron" war. Capt. R. who served 270 days on reserve duty in the war, stated, "The decision to launch an operation for the final conquest of Gaza is blatantly illegal."

Israeli troops fighting in the Gaza war (IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

"The decision to conquer Gaza will place the hostages, soldiers, and civilians in jeopardy. It is being issued by a messianic government that lacks public legitimacy and is solely concerned with its own political survival," R. added, stressing that "we are declaring that if we are called for reserve duty – we will not report. We will not respond to the Order 8 call-up notices that are sent." He argued, "The government's plan to conquer Gaza for good constitutes a blatantly illegal order over which a black flag flies."

Sgt. D., who served more than 200 days on reserve duty in the war, joined the declaration "We, soldiers 'For the Hostages,' will no longer report for service in this war if we are called. We are the soldiers and reservists who reported on October 7, who sacrificed and paid an enormous price for the country, and we are not prepared to continue serving this government and its policies." He asserted that "the Israeli government of Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, and Smotrich has failed to take any responsibility to this day for the October 7 massacre. This government has no interest in the security of the country but only in undermining it."

A high-ranking officer in the reserves, who served as a battalion commander in the Alexandroni Brigade and subsequently as a mental health officer, explained the reasoning behind the refusal by saying, "The reason we believe one must refuse, that the most patriotic and Zionist act today, is to refuse, concerns what it does to both sides. Both, as has been mentioned, the unending suffering of the residents in Gaza, and also the soldiers returning from Gaza, who are physically and mentally broken."

One of the participants issued a warning that "a soldier required to carry out illegal orders is a soldier who will later be unable to sleep at night, unable to function again with his family, and the circles of harm extend beyond the soldier himself to his children, his family, his friends, and his workplace."

The soldiers announced the launch of a support line for wavering soldiers on the social media channels of "Soldiers for the Hostages."

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