Feds arrest man in alleged plot to firebomb U.S. embassy office in Israel

Federal authorities on Sunday arrested a man at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, alleging he tried to firebomb a U.S. Embassy office in Tel Aviv, Israel, earlier this month.

The Justice Department announced the arrest of Joseph Neumayer, 28, a dual American and German citizen who was first detained in Israel on May 19 after a hostile confrontation with a security guard at a branch of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv. 

On May 19, Neumeyer “arrived outside of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark-colored backpack,”’Justice said. “Without provocation Neumeyer spit on an Embassy guard as he walked past. Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack.

“A search of Neumeyer’s backpack revealed three rudimentary improvised incendiary devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails,” the department added. “Law enforcement tracked Neumeyer to his hotel, where he was arrested. 

The suspect allegedly wrote on social media “join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f---k the west,” DOJ said.