Migrant Attacks LI Homeowner Over Support For Israel: Police

HEWLETT, NY — A migrant from North Africa was arrested for assaulting a Hewlett homeowner, police said.

The Sunday afternoon incident happened when a Steven Drive homeowner noticed a 26-year-old man walk onto his property and remove a flag and banner displayed outside, authorities said.

The flag was a combination of the U.S. and Israel flags and the banner said "In This Home We Stand With Israel."

The homeowner confronted the man, Bechir Lehbeib, 26, who resides in a migrant shelter on Staten Island, and was punched in the face and body by Lehbeib, police said.

The victim was able to regain his property until he was attacked again. Lehbeib then forcibly removed the flag and banner from the victim's hands and began jumping and stomping on the items while declaring his hatred of Jewish people, Nassau police said.

An investigation led to Lehbeib at the migrant shelter where he was arrested without incident.

The victim refused medical attention.

Lehbeib is charged with second-degree assault, second-degree robbery and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arraigned on Monday in Hempstead and is being held on $50,000 and $100,000 bond.