Death Threats Against Israeli Officials Under Investigation

Israel Police said Thursday that they arrested a resident of Shuafat in eastern Jerusalem after he allegedly threatened to murder MK Zvi Sukkot and sent him photos of weapons and ammunition. Police arrested the suspect and are questioning him over the death threat, while taking testimony from Sukkot, who received the threats.

According to police, the suspect, 25-year-old Tarzan Hamad, sent a message to Sukkot’s Facebook account containing photos of weapons and ammunition, along with the words: "I always have a weapon. I move around without security checks. I will kill you when I see you." Following the threats, the Knesset and Israel Police conducted a situation assessment and decided to raise the threat level against Sukkot to Level 4, while increasing his security detail and tightening the security arrangements accompanying him.

(Photo: Under Section 27A)

According to Sukkot’s office, the threats came after a series of visits he made to schools in the Arab sector as part of his parliamentary work, as well as his fight against protection rackets. He said several threatening messages were received, including photos of firearms. "I commend Israel Police for its swift action and for arresting the suspect," Sukkot said.

Meanwhile, police have been investigating for several days an Egged bus driver from Shuafat who was arrested on suspicion of threatening ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Katz on social media. The suspect allegedly acted under a false identity. The court extended his detention.