Display of Netanyahu's severed head 'incites public to murder PM', Likud says in official complaint

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The complaint further criticized Israel Police, noting that officers were present at the scene, but did not intervene when the display was presented.

Likud filed an official police complaint on Tuesday, alleging “incitement to murder the prime minister” after a display resembling a severed head of Benjamin Netanyahu was placed outside the Tel Aviv District Court during his testimony on Tuesday.

Attorney Tamar Arbel submitted the complaint on behalf of the party.

According to the filing, the display was set up at the court entrance while Netanyahu appeared in court.

The display featured a sculpture depicting his severed head placed on a platform, with “7/10” written on the forehead. Likud argued the installation constituted “a classic violent image of an execution” and sends an inciting message intended to encourage physically harming the prime minister.

The party noted that protests outside the courthouse in recent months have included masks of Netanyahu, orange jumpsuits, and imprisonment-themed displays, but described the depiction of the prime minister's decapitation as “crossing a clear, criminal red line.”

Protesters outside the Tel Aviv District Court chant, 'Bibi and Sinwar, money from Qatar.' December 9, 2025. (credit: SARAH BEN-NUN)

The complaint stated that such imagery “normalizes the possibility of assassination as a legitimate political act in the public consciousness.”

Complaint also criticizes A-G Baharav-Miara, Israel Police over inaction

Likud also claimed that despite repeated complaints in recent years, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara “refuses to approve the opening of investigations,” resulting in alleged incitement cases being closed without action. This situation, the filing argues, creates “a safe space for offenders.”

The complaint further criticized Israel Police, noting that officers were present at the scene but did not intervene when the display was presented. It states that the police are expected to act “without delay” to identify those responsible, investigate them, and pursue criminal proceedings.

Copies of the complaint were sent to Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, Baharav-Miara, and senior Likud officials.