Statue of Theodor Herzl vandalized in central Israel days before Independence Day

Vandals sawed off the bronze legs of a seven-meter-tall statue of Theodor Herzl at the entrance to the Mikveh Israel Agricultural School in central Israel. The statue commemorates Herzl's historic meeting with Kaiser Wilhelm II and was created by artist Moti Mizrahi. The vandals also stole the iconic hat that Herzl was holding. Damage is being repaired and significant security reinforcements have been announced in the area to prevent similar incidents.