Jewish settler accused of attacks on gay Israelis
A Jewish settler accused of killing two Israelis and carrying out attacks on gays, left-wing Israelis and messianic Jews told a court this week that God was “proud” of him.
Yaakov Teitel, an American immigrant, faces 14 charges in Jerusalem District Court. These include two charges of murder and three of attempted murder.
He was arrested in Jerusalem after being found handing out leaflets praising the recent attack on a gay youth centre in Tel Aviv. Two young people died in the shooting.
A number of weapons were found at his home in a West Bank settlement.
He is accused of numerous offences, including placing a bomb in a police station to prevent officers proving security for a gay Pride march.
According to BBC News, as he was being led into court, Teitel said: It’s been a pleasure and an honour to serve my God. God is proud of what I have done, I have no regrets.”
His lawyers argue he is mentally disturbed and believes God told him to carry out the attacks.
Police say Teitel admitted to murdering a shepherd and a Palestinian taxi driver but his lawyers claim the confessions were not reliable.
