The Central District Police have concluded their investigation into the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, transferring the case file to the Central District Attorney’s Office with recommendations to indict multiple minors on serious charges.
Zalka, an employee at a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, was killed on the eve of Independence Day, April 27, 2026, following a violent brawl outside the pizzeria. Police described the resulting probe as one of the most complex handled by the Central District in recent times.
Scale of Arrests and Proposed Charges
Over several weeks, the Sharon Serious Crimes Unit arrested 19 minors from the Sharon region on suspicion of involvement in the incident. The investigative file outlines a tiered structure of alleged culpability:
- Primary Suspect: A 15-year-old boy is expected to be charged with murder committed with indifference. Investigators stated they found no evidence that the killing was planned in advance.
- Joint Responsibility: At least four suspects are expected to face charges of murder committed jointly.
- Aggravated Assault: Prosecutors are expected to file indictments against 13 other teenagers, aged 14 to 17, for aggravated assault with intent to cause serious injury.
While three of the teenagers have already been released to house arrest, prosecutors are expected to request that 10 others remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings. Police arrested other individuals on suspicion of obstructing the probe and assisting suspects who attempted to hide or escape after the attack.
Community Impact and Family Grief
The killing has left a profound mark on the local community. Zalka’s father, Balta, and his mother spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday night, describing their son as “a child who was like a flower” and stating he was “murdered over nothing.”
“Our hearts are dead. Instead of bringing him to the wedding canopy, I buried him… Where is our security?”
The significance of the crime extends beyond the immediate family; Zalka’s father noted that teachers and principals have expressed fear about leaving their own homes. In response to the tragedy, the Israel Police stated it would “continue to act resolutely against serious violent offenses, particularly youth crime.”
Official Response
Central District Commander Assistant Chief Amir Cohen praised the Sharon Serious Crimes Unit for their work, stating that the professional and comprehensive investigation was driven by a commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing the perpetrators to justice to provide comfort to the Zalka family.
Possible Legal Next Steps
The case now moves into the hands of prosecutors who will review the evidence collected by the police. Final charges may be issued in the coming days. A primary legal point of contention is likely to be the specific role each suspect allegedly played during the violent confrontation that led to Zalka’s death.