An Israeli Defense Forces reservist was assaulted while vacationing on Siargao Island in the Philippines on Sunday, according to a report from Israel’s Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry. The incident occurred at a local café when a Spanish tourist approached the reservist and inquired about his nationality. Upon learning he was Israeli, the Spanish individual began shouting accusations including “baby killer” and “genocide” and issued threats against him.

The Israeli attempted to de-escalate the situation by warning the Spanish tourist that their interaction was being recorded and asked him to leave. Despite this, the Spanish man initiated physical violence by throwing the first punch. Although the attacker was physically larger, the Israeli managed to subdue him by pinning him to the ground.

Video footage captured during the altercation shows the attacker shouting “stop it” in English and asking, “Do you understand what I’m saying?” The Israeli responded with a warning, “If you don’t understand what I’m saying, I will kill you,” while maintaining control over the assailant.

Local police subsequently arrested the Spanish tourist. Following an investigation, authorities ruled in favor of the Israeli visitor and ordered the attacker to provide financial compensation covering the medical costs related to the victim’s broken finger, which required surgery in Thailand. The assailant also issued a formal apology on video as part of the resolution.