Man Arrested for Alleged Attempt to Firebomb US Embassy in Tel Aviv

A 28-year-old man faces serious charges after being caught with Molotov cocktails near the US embassy.

A dual US and German citizen, Joseph Neumayer, was arrested on Sunday at John F. Kennedy Airport for allegedly trying to firebomb the US embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to reports from the Department of Justice. Neumayer, aged 28, was found in possession of explosive devices, specifically three Molotov cocktails, which he carried in a dark backpack, designed to ignite fires upon being thrown.

Israeli authorities had previously detained Neumayer after he attempted to approach the embassy, during which he reportedly spat on a guard. After fleeing the scene, he was located at a hotel, where police apprehended him. Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the actions, underscoring the gravity of the situation, stating, "This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump's life."

Neumayer, who had entered Israel in April, had made posts on his social media accounts expressing his intent to attack the embassy and vocalizing sentiments against America. He is now facing serious legal repercussions, with a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison if found guilty.

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions following a tragic shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli embassy staff members lost their lives. The identified shooter, Elias Rodriguez, allegedly made political statements during the incident, drawing further discussion on security concerns for diplomats. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to pay tribute to the shooting victims during a memorial service in Israel soon.