Israeli arrested for slapping Minister Idit Silman in Rehovot

The suspect, in her 50s, was taken in for questioning by police after a physical altercation with the minister.

 Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman is seen at the handover ceremony replacing outgoing minister Tamar Zandberg, in Jerusalem, on January 2, 2023. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman is seen at the handover ceremony replacing outgoing minister Tamar Zandberg, in Jerusalem, on January 2, 2023.
(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Israel Police detained a woman for allegedly slapping Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman in Rehovot, Israeli media reported Wednesday morning citing sources close to the minister and eyewitnesses.

The suspect, in her 50s, was taken in for questioning by police after a physical altercation with the minister.

The incident is under investigation, as per Israeli media.

Idit Silman's previous alleged assault

In 2021, Israel Police opened an investigation into a previous alleged attack against then-coalition whip Silman which she claimed occurred at a gas station in Modi'in, when a man approached her and physically knocked her onto her car.

The investigation was opened after the Knesset guard handed over the evidence provided to them by Silman.

The opposition has been accusing Silman of fabricating the story to paint the opposition as being violent. 

This is a developing story.