Violence in Jerusalem is changing form. Not only firearms or knives, but teeth, barking, and brute force—unleashed like a living weapon. That’s what emerges from a disturbing incident that recently took place in a community near Jerusalem, where an innocent man was attacked by a vicious dog, reportedly used as a “canine weapon” for debt collection
The incident occurred on the morning of July 9. A man arrived with his son at a storage facility he owns, unaware he was about to become the victim of an unusual form of violence. Suddenly, according to police, several suspects approached—and one of them allegedly ordered his Belgian Shepherd to attack. The dog responded immediately. The victim suffered serious bite wounds to his hand and attempted to flee, only to have another suspect smash his car window with a pickaxe
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The injuries, photos, and testimonies quickly led Jerusalem District police to open an urgent investigation. Officers from the “Lev HaBira” station managed to identify and arrest the main suspect the same day: a 29-year-old professional dog trainer from central Israel
The Indictment: A Dog as an Instrument of Threat
According to the indictment filed this week, the picture is even more disturbing. Prior to the incident, the suspect allegedly sent the victim a photo of his home and issued threats. He later arrived at the scene with several others and the attack dog—yet mistakenly identified the wrong person, ordering the dog to assault an innocent bystander
The suspect now faces serious charges: extortion by threats, group assault, criminal trespass, vehicle vandalism, intimidation, and failure to control a dangerous animal. Prosecutors have requested that he remain in custody until the end of legal proceedings
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A Deeper Question for Jerusalem
Though the attack took place outside the city, it has shaken Jerusalem’s public consciousness. Are trained attack dogs becoming another tool of power? Can professional trainers become suppliers of biological weapons disguised as obedience experts
Dozens of guard dogs, adopted pets, and working animals roam the streets of Jerusalem. But this case raises an ethical dilemma—not only about one man’s actions, but about a society that may allow a dog to be weaponized
