Prosecutors signal indictment over vandalism attacks on Justice Ministry, Israeli media outlets

The suspect, in his 40s, was arrested on July 30 following a weeks-long investigation. Police linked him to attacks on buildings housing Channel 12, Haaretz, Israel Hayom, and the Justice Ministry.Follow us on GoogleFront door of Channel 12 News offices shattered by vandals in Tel Aviv, July 5, 2026.(photo credit: Screenshot/Instagram/@rkastro)BySARAH BEN-NUNAUGUST 9, 2026 13:14Prosecutors filed a declaration of intent to indict a Ramat Gan man on Sunday over his suspected involvement in five incidents of property damage and extortion by threats targeting several Israeli media outlets and the Justice Ministry, police said.The man, in his 40s, was arrested on July 30 following a weeks-long investigation. Police said investigators collected evidence linking him to attacks on buildings housing Channel 12, Haaretz, Israel Hayom, and the Justice Ministry during July.According to police, bricks were thrown at entrance doors in the attacks, which investigators suspect were intended to intimidate media organizations and influence the way they covered the news.The most recent publicly reported incident took place in the early hours of July 28, when a masked individual threw two bricks at the glass entrance to Channel 12's Tel Aviv offices, shattering the doors. A threatening letter was left nearby demanding that the network apologize for its coverage of the Sde Teiman affair and warning that further violence would follow if it did not.“Until you apologize over the Sde Teiman affair, I am not stopping,” the letter said, warning that the next brick would be directed at the head of a Channel 12 employee and that “someone will end up dead.”Threatening letter left behind by vandals at Channel 12 News' headquarters in Tel Aviv, published by Israel Police on August 9, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)Police said Sunday that the suspect is believed to have left the letter at the entrance to the building.Attacks on Israeli media outlets continue, linked to Justice MinistryThe July 28 attack was the second time Channel 12's entrance had been smashed that month. On July 5, security footage showed a masked individual approaching the building shortly after 3 a.m. and throwing two bricks at the entrance, the second of which shattered the glass door. Police opened an investigation at the time.Three days later, on July 8, the entrance to Haaretz's Tel Aviv offices was also targeted. Security footage showed a masked individual throwing two bricks through the entrance gate, with one smashing a hole in the newspaper's glass door. Haaretz filed a police complaint and said it had increased security at the building following the attack.Sunday's police statement also linked the investigation to damage at buildings housing Israel Hayom and the Justice Ministry, though no further details were provided about the damage. Suspect arrested on July 30Investigators said they identified the suspect through technological means and undercover investigative work before arresting him on July 30. During a search of his home, police seized clothing and other evidence that they said linked him to the offenses under investigation.His detention has since been extended several times.The prosecutor's declaration filed Sunday is a procedural step indicating that prosecutors intend to file an indictment. Police said an indictment is expected in the coming days.Police said they viewed attempts to intimidate journalists and media organizations particularly seriously, adding that they would act against the use of violence or threats intended to interfere with journalists' work.Follow us on Google