Hodaya Ran

Hodaya Ran is a crime reporter for Walla .

The ChatGPT app icon on a smartphone in this illustration taken October 27, 2025

Teens asked ChatGPT about arson punishment before setting fire to Givatayim Japanika restaurant

A view of a Japanika restaurant branch owned by businessman Barak Abramov that was damaged in a shooting in Herzliya, central Israel, July 14, 2026.

Two teenagers indicted over arson attack against Givatayim Japanika restaurant

A view of a Japanika restaurant branch owned by businessman Barak Abramov that was damaged in a shooting in Herzliya, central Israel, July 14, 2026.

Tel Aviv police arrest two in connection to arson attack targeting Japanika branch in Givatayim


Bat Yam couple arrested for allegedly posing as insurance representatives, defrauding at least 75

In exchange for their services, the couple allegedly demanded a "fee" ranging from NIS 2,000 to NIS 5,000, and in some cases up to NIS 10,000.

Periel Ben David and Sahar Shmuel Abutbul from Bat Yam, suspected of posing as insurance representatives, August 11, 2026.

Three children killed in separate fatal accidents across Israel over one day

Among those killed were a 5-year-old left in the car, a 12-year-old in the Jordan River, and a 16-year-old who fell while rappelling.

Magen David Adom vehicles.

'I've never been violent': Singer Ofek Adanek revealed as suspect in domestic abuse case

Adanek, 24, first broke onto the scene in 2017 with his song “Boi Buba” (“Come on, Baby”). A year later, when he was only 16, he participated in the sixth season of The Next Star for Eurovision.

Man in handcuffs - illustrative

Israel Police probe alleged catfishing of five women by female suspect

Five women said the suspect catfished them by posing as a man while maintaining romantic and sexual relationships with them over several years.

Israel Police car

After another Israeli child dies in hot car, Hatzalah asks parents to 'stop for one second'

23 children died in such incidents between 2021 and 2025, according to data from Beterem, Safe Kids Israel.

 Magen David Adom Ambulance

Rehovot resident arrested for allegedly operating shell companies, tax fraud, Tax Authority says

Investigators from the Beersheba Customs and VAT Investigations Unit, together with the Tax Authority's Intelligence Unit and with assistance from Hadera police officers, arrested a Rehovot resident.

Male hands arrested with handcuffs in Criminal concept (illustrative)

Well-known Israeli singer arrested on domestic violence charges, name not yet released

The arrest follows the suspension of right-wing activist and musician Yoav Eliasi from his position as commander of a Tel Aviv District rapid response squad.

Man in handcuffs - illustrative

Sports instructor arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting residents with disabilities

Security cameras at a facility for children with disabilities allegedly captured a sports instructor committing indecent acts against several female residents during a covert police investigation.

An illustrative image of a man in handcuffs, being arrested.

Suspected arson in Ramat Gan leaves seven people injured, three sites affected, authorities say

Seven people were treated for smoke inhalation, and evacuated for medical attention with light injuries.

A burnt structure in Ramat Gan, August 7, 2026.

Two shot dead in northern, central Israel as Arab sector death toll reaches 158 this year

Two fatal shootings in Israel's Arab sector within 24 hours have left two men dead, with police probing possible criminal motives behind the attacks.

Illustrative: Magen David Adom responding to site of Iranian ballistic missile impact in Jerusalem area, March 1, 2026.