An Israeli tourist and military reservist was harassed and physically attacked at a café on Siargao Island in the Philippines on Monday, according to the Diaspora Ministry.
The incident began when a Spanish tourist approached the Israeli tourist and asked where he was from. According to the ministry, upon learning that the man was from Israel, the suspect began shouting accusations such as “baby killer” and “genocide” while threatening to kill him.
Video footage of the incident circulating on social media showed the escalating confrontation outside the café at night.
The report noted that the Israeli reservist attempted to de-escalate the situation and avoid a physical confrontation, warning the attacker that he was being recorded and asking him to step away. Despite these warnings, the Spanish tourist threw the first punch and initiated a physical incident.
Although physically larger, the attacker was overpowered by the Israeli reservist during the subsequent struggle. The video footage showed the reservist pinning the attacker and restraining him on the floor.
Israeli reservist called "baby killer" by Spanish tourist in Thailand
During the altercation, the video captured the attacker shouting demands in English, telling the reservist to "stop it" and asking: "Do you understand what I'm saying?"
The reservist maintained control and responded by telling him: “If you don't understand what I'm saying, I will kill you.”
Local police responded to the scene and took the Spanish tourist into custody, according to the ministry. Law enforcement ultimately ruled in favor of the Israeli tourist and ordered the attacker to pay financial compensation to cover the victim's medical expenses for a broken finger sustained during the incident, which later required surgery in Thailand.
The ministry's report also noted that the attacker was recorded providing a formal video apology.