Israel charges Jerusalem man for threatening foreign journalists, damaging vehicles in West Bank

BySARAH BEN-NUNJULY 23, 2026 13:08A Jerusalem man in his 20s was indicted in the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for allegedly threatening foreign journalists and damaging their vehicles during an incident in the West Bank earlier this month, Israel Police said.According to police, the defendant used his car to block vehicles belonging to CNN and an Italian news organization in an area north of Ramallah on July 11, preventing them from leaving.He allegedly threatened the journalists while holding a club and a rock, before receiving a knife from another person and attempting to slash one vehicle’s tire. He then allegedly jumped onto the hood of the other vehicle and struck its windshield with the club, causing damage.The defendant was charged with intentionally damaging a vehicle, unlawful possession of a knife, and making threats.Four suspects were arrested following the incident. The indicted suspect was remanded in custody, while the other three were released under restrictive conditions. Police said the investigation into their alleged involvement remains ongoing.The journalists, including CNN Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond, had been reporting near the site where Palestinian-American Saif Musallet was killed one year earlier. Diamond said men armed with clubs, rocks and a knife blocked the journalists and attacked their vehicles.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google