Teen Charged With Kidnapping, Imprisoning Children

An indictment has been filed against Yigal Buskila, a 19-year-old from central Israel, charging him with a series of kidnappings and threats against minors and teenagers across the country during August. According to the indictment filed by attorney Roei Reis of the Central District Prosecutor's Office, the defendant ruthlessly exploited his victims' vulnerability and escalated his criminal activity from city to city.

Prosecutors have requested that Buskila be held in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, citing the high level of danger he poses and the pattern of repeat criminal behavior revealed in the case.

From Petah Tikva to Bnei Brak: Hours of Terror for 10-Year-Old

According to the indictment, during August Buskila initiated contact with unfamiliar minors in three separate incidents, presenting himself as a dangerous criminal who had served prison time in order to instill fear in his victims.

The most severe incident occurred in Petah Tikva, when 10-year-old Yehali Sofer was playing with friends at a soccer field. Buskila approached them demanding money, and after obtaining 100 shekels from a passerby with the child's help, he led the boy for hours to various locations throughout the greater Tel Aviv area.

In Bnei Brak, Buskila pushed the child into an abandoned, foul-smelling underground shelter, placed the boy's head on his lap, and forced him to remain there against his will. The child cried bitterly throughout the hours of imprisonment, until he was located by police forces near midnight.

Threats and Stalking in Hadera

In Hadera, Buskila approached two 17-year-old girls, threatened them by claiming he was dangerous and had criminal connections, and followed them to a public park while threatening to murder passersby. When one of the girls attempted to call a friend for help, he forcefully grabbed her hand and tried to snatch the phone.

Knife Threat in the South

In another incident spanning Be'er Sheva and Arad, a 15-year-old boy waiting at the Be'er Sheva central bus station was persuaded to assist Buskila, who joined him on a trip to Arad. The two entered a dark shelter, and when the teenager turned on his phone's flashlight, Buskila pulled out a large, sharp knife and pointed it at him—causing the boy to flee in terror.

The prosecution emphasizes in its detention request that the defendant poses a real danger to the public, given the pattern of repeat criminal behavior and the high level of danger he demonstrated during his actions. The indictment includes charges of false imprisonment, threats, attempted theft, and violent conduct toward minors.