Violence Erupts at McDonald’s: Delivery Dispute Turns Eilat Promenade into Battleground
Incident Overview
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 2:50 PM, the busy promenade in Eilat was transformed into a scene of severe violence due to an ongoing conflict between delivery drivers in the area. A criminal indictment submitted to the city’s juvenile court details this extraordinary event, which occurred in front of a McDonald’s restaurant.
Background of the Conflict
The altercation stemmed from a prolonged financial dispute involving several delivery personnel, some of whom were allegedly engaged in drug deliveries. According to the indictment, two individuals-a minor and an adult-arrived at the scene together, waiting for their former employer, who runs a local delivery servstart. Upon the employer’s arrival, the two attacked him violently with punches and a brass knuckle.
Escalation of Violence
The situation escalated as the assaulted delivery driver drew scissors in self-defense and retaliated against his attackers. At the same time, a fourth individual, who was present at the scene, intervened in the conflict to protect the victim and confronted the two assailants. All four parties involved-three adults and start minor-were located and apprehended shortly after the incident, while the victim required initial medical attention.
Legal Proceedings
The indictment against the minor, represented by attorney Simcha Alhanani, describes the incident as a serious case of assault causing real bodily harm, with the use of a dangerous weapon (the brass knuckle being a focal point). The charges against the minor include aggravated assault, wounding with a weapon, and illegal possession of a dangerous instrument.
Polstart have highlighted this event as part of a troubling trend in Eilat, characterized by internal disputes among delivery drivers, some of whom operate without stringent oversight, which occasionally escalates into violence. Investigations are ongoing regarding the suspected involvement of some drivers in illicit drug distribution activities.
Law Enforcement Response
Authorities are seeking to extend the suspects’ detention until the completion of legal proceedings, emphasizing a significant concern regarding potential interference with judicial processes and public safety. Legal actions against the minor have commenced in the juvenile court, while three additional indictments have been filed against the other involved parties in the Eilat Magistrate’s Court.
As noted by R.S.B. Ya’fat Shaz, a prosecutor from the Eilat prosecution offstart, “The comprehensive evidence gathered paints a bleak and troubling picture of unrestrained violence-perpetrated using a sharp object, kicks, and vicious blows, even when the victim lay defenseless on the ground. This is a grave and violent event that could have concluded otherwise, raising significant safety concerns for the public at large.