JERUSALEM (JTA) — A day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the country’s police commissioner to investigate a murder threat against him on social media, police arrested a suspect.
The Israel Police’s Lahav 433 cyber unit launched an investigation on Monday after this Facebook post: “Israel Police, prepare to direct traffic for the funerals of Benjamin, Sarah and Yair Netanyahu. Thanks.” Sara is Netanyahu’s wife and Yair is his son.
The post, in Hebrew under the name “Tzvika Sabag,” was preserved in screenshot by the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Tzvika Sabag hates with a deadly hatred Benjamin, Sarah and Yair Netanyahu and whoever cooperates with them,” reads a screenshot of the writer’s bio on the Facebook page.
The account’s profile picture shows an image of the prime minister with a noose hanging in front of him.
A post on the eve of the anniversary of the murder of Yitzhak Rabin said: “If there is one conclusion I reached on the eve of the anniversary, it is that Bibi should get a bullet in the head,” The Times of Israel reported.
Police on Tuesday morning arrested and questioned a 55-year-old man from Ashkelon on suspicion of posting the threats, the Kan public broadcaster reported.
Screenshot #1 translation:
"Tzvika Sabag
Israel Police, prepare to direct traffic for the funerals of Benjamin, Sarah and Yair Netanyahu."Screenshot #2 translation:
"Tzvika Sabag hates with a deadly hatred Benjamin, Sarah and Yair Netanyahu and whoever cooperates with them". pic.twitter.com/jAgJkD5PsY— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 4, 2019
