A dual U.S.-German citizen has been charged after allegedly attempting to attack the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv with Molotov cocktails. The suspect was arrested and deported to New York, where he now faces federal charges. The incident took place amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Molotov Attack Attempt at U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv
Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Germany, has been charged with attempting to attack the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv using Molotov cocktails. According to a federal complaint, Neumeyer approached the embassy on May 19 with a backpack containing the incendiary devices but fled the scene after a confrontation with a security guard.
Arrest and Deportation
Neumeyer was located at a nearby hotel just blocks away from the embassy and was taken into custody shortly after the failed attempt. He was deported by Israeli authorities to New York on Saturday and made his first appearance in a federal court in Brooklyn the following day.
The charges were officially unsealed on May 25, 2025, in the Eastern District of New York. His court-appointed attorney, Jeff Dahlberg, has so far declined to make any public comments.
Travel History and Background
Court documents reveal that Neumeyer is originally from Colorado and has dual U.S. and German citizenship. He reportedly traveled from the United States to Canada in early February before arriving in Israel in late April. Leading up to the incident, prosecutors say he made threatening social media posts, signaling a possible motive or intent.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Neumeyer is now under federal custody in the United States and faces serious charges related to attempted violence against a U.S. diplomatic mission. The U.S. State Department has not issued a statement on the case at this time.
Political Context and Security Climate
The attempted embassy attack comes during the 19th month of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, a backdrop that has heightened tensions both in the region and internationally.
During his first presidential term, current President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocated the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision that remains a focal point in discussions around U.S. policy in the Middle East.
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