9 October 2026N12 – חדשות

Significant Sentence Enhancement for Attackers of Attorney Ronen Ben-Zvi

The Supreme Court accepted the Prosecution's appeal and significantly increased the sentences for a father and son who attacked attorney Ronen Ben-Zvi under aggravated circumstances. The assault left the attorney with irreversible brain damage and complete dependency. Justice Noam Sohlberg emphasized the severity of the actions and the need to combat violence.

Source transparency

This is an original newsroom summary and analysis. The source was not reproduced, and readers can inspect the original publication.

Original publication at N12 – חדשות

Why it matters

The ruling highlights an increasingly stringent judicial policy toward violence directed at attorneys performing their duties, as well as the significance of sending a deterrent message in light of irreversible harm to victims.

Key points

  • ▪The Supreme Court increased the prison sentences of both attackers following a Prosecution appeal.
  • ▪The assault left the victim with irreversible brain damage and total dependency.
  • ▪Justice Sohlberg stated that the acts require harsh punishment due to the severity of the physical and mental harm.
  • ▪The convicted individuals were also found guilty of attempting to obstruct an investigation and influence witnesses.
  • ▪The assault occurred in the context of the attorney’s professional activities regarding property clearance.

The Supreme Court heard the Prosecution's appeal against the sentencing of a father and son, Ibrahim Nagar and his son, who was a minor at the time of the offense, convicted of the brutal assault of attorney Ronen Ben-Zvi in Jaffa. The incident occurred in July 2025, when Ben-Zvi arrived at a property as part of his professional work. According to the amended indictment, the attack began with a verbal confrontation initiated by the father, while the son emerged from behind, punched the attorney in the head and neck, and continued to kick him even after he fell to the ground.

As a result, the attorney suffered severe and irreversible brain damage, leaving him fully dependent on others. Justice Noam Sohlberg severely criticized the actions, noting that the savage violence left the victim incapacitated. The ruling stated that the attackers also worked to obstruct justice by concealing evidence and attempting to influence witnesses. Justice Sohlberg emphasized the importance of a zero-tolerance approach toward violence, noting the immense harm caused to Ben-Zvi's life and his family.

The Supreme Court decided to accept the position of the Prosecution, represented by Adv. Yael Saraf, determining that the sentences handed down in the District Court did not reflect the severity of the incident or the danger posed by the attackers. As a result of the Supreme Court's decision, the son's sentence was increased from four years to six years and eight months. The father's sentence, Ibrahim Nagar, was increased from two years to three years of imprisonment, considering his heavy criminal record and central role in the actions.

Conversely, attorney Ben-Zvi’s brother, Doron Ben-Zvi, raised critical claims in a conversation with N12 regarding the police's conduct in the case, arguing that deficiencies in the initial investigation led to an insufficient indictment, which he claims also influenced the original sentencing in lower courts. The assault occurred against the backdrop of a real estate dispute, as the father attempted to purchase an apartment near his home below market value and intimidated the property owner.

Prior to the attack, Attorney Ben-Zvi had even filed a lawsuit against the neighbor, warning of gaps in personal security and the difficulty in dealing with criminals, after previous attorneys handling the case withdrew due to threats.

General information only. This item is not legal advice and does not replace review of the original source.

Back to all legal news

LawFirms.pro

Update or Remove Public Information

LawFirms.pro allows lawyers and the public to submit requests to update, correct, or remove public information for manual review.

Update or Remove Profile