A Palestinian man who was filmed spitting on a female Israel Defense Forces officer on a public bus in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan has turned himself in to security forces, authorities confirmed on Sunday evening.
The suspect, a resident of the village of Huwara in Samaria, was transferred for further investigation by district police. The attack, caught on video, sparked condemnation from top Israeli officials and renewed calls for harsh penalties against those who target IDF personnel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier demanded that law enforcement authorities prosecute the assailant. “The despicable terrorist who assaulted and spat on a uniformed IDF officer must be punished to the fullest extent,” Katz posted on social media, adding, “We will not allow harm to come to our soldiers.”
“I trust the law enforcement authorities pursue him to the fullest extent of the law, so that it is clear: Anyone who harms IDF soldiers will pay a heavy price,” said Katz.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also commented on the case, writing on X: “Zero tolerance for anyone who harms IDF soldiers.”
The IDF captain had been traveling to the Manpower Directorate base in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan on Sunday when the incident occurred.
“Someone was sitting next to me listening to videos in Arabic. At some point, I moved to another seat because I was uncomfortable hearing that music,” the officer, identified as Capt. Tamar, told reporters.
“I feel like he spat on me just because I was in uniform. I’m disturbed by the audacity—that this can happen in the heart of the city, in broad daylight, on the way to base,” she said.
Following the incident, the driver reportedly stopped the bus and approached the officer, urging her to file a complaint with police.
Israeli Minister of Transport, National Infrastructure and Road Safety Miri Regev said she had instructed ministry security officers to contact the police “and ensure the perpetrator is apprehended.”
“I was horrified to see the shocking footage of a savage spitting in the face of an IDF officer,” the Cabinet minister added.
The Israel Police promptly opened an investigation. The suspect’s voluntary surrender followed widespread public pressure and high-profile calls for swift justice.
“Following the report of the suspect who spat on an IDF officer in Ramat Gan turning himself in: Under the directive of the minister and the police commissioner, officers from the Judea and Samaria District, together with the Civil Administration, acted, and the suspect turned himself in to the Judea and Samaria District of the Israel Police,” police said.
Following the incident, the Israeli Bus Drivers’ Organization reminded its members that “in such cases, they must stop the journey immediately and wait for police forces to arrive. We call on the police to act swiftly, locate the suspect, and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.”
Since the start of the Swords of Iron war on Oct. 7, 2023, there has been a growing radicalization among segments of the country’s Arab minority. Security officials have investigated more than 80 cases involving citizens. There have been 26 cases of Israelis swearing allegiance to Islamic State and other terrorist groups, Israel’s Kan broadcaster reported back in March.
The Israel Security Agency moved to detain 177 citizens for questioning in cases involving national security in 2024, the public broadcaster said.