Israeli police arrested a third suspect on Wednesday in connection with a series of arsons at a cafe in Ramat Gan, Israeli media report. The suspect was taken for questioning. Two other suspects were arrested earlier in the day.
Israeli police arrested a third suspect Wednesday afternoon in connection with a series of arsons at a cafe on Uziel Street in Ramat Gan, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to three. The arrest came hours after two suspects from Betar Illit, aged 23 and 19, were taken into custody earlier Wednesday, as reported by N12. The third suspect was taken for questioning; police have not released further details about his identity or alleged role.
The investigation stems from three arsons at the cafe over recent months, the most recent of which occurred on July 1. As The Zioneer reported at the time, an anonymous note left at the scene linked the attack to the cafe's Saturday operation. The earlier two arrests were confirmed at 13:48 Jerusalem, when police named the two Betar Illit residents as suspects in all three fires. The arsons caused property damage but no injuries.
The cafe, Benedetta, is a well-known establishment that operates on Shabbat. The repeated targeting with anonymous notes has drawn attention to the possible motive of religious extremism, though police have not publicly confirmed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
It remains unclear whether the third suspect is also a Betar Illit resident, what his connection is to the first two suspects, or whether additional arrests are expected. Police have not yet disclosed the evidence linking the new suspect to the arsons.
4 developments
- DevelopingWell-known Ramat Gan cafe 'Benedetta' set alight for the third time
- StrongPolice arrest two minors from Issawiya on suspicion of arson in Jerusalem area
- StrongPolice arrest three suspects for arson near Oferit base in Jerusalem area
- DevelopingIsraeli police arrest another 16-year-old suspect in central Israel
Source and signal
- Internal intake