Suspicion: Young man before combat service set fire to a Japanika branch on a scooter

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended by seven days the remand of an 18-year-old suspect in the arson of a Japanika branch in Givatayim. During the hearing, new evidence was revealed, including a travel route and footage, but the defense challenged the identification of the suspect as the scooter rider. The judge ruled that there is reasonable suspicion and that the suspicion has strengthened. Background: a series of shootings and arson attacks against the chain's branches, apparently amid a war between crime organizations.

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court today (Monday) extended by seven days the remand of an 18-year-old suspect in the arson of a Japanika branch in Givatayim. The suspect, who is due to enlist in November in the Golani reconnaissance unit or combat engineering, was arrested after police linked him to the incident through scooter footage and a travel route. In the hearing, the representative of the Tel Aviv district police, Chief Inspector Dan Yoeli, argued that many investigative actions were carried out, leading to a 'very significant development and thickening of the suspicion.' The defense attorney, Adv. Ariel Atari, challenged the identification, noting that the person recorded at the entrance to the suspect's home wore a short shirt, while the rider heading toward Japanika wore long clothes. He also argued that police did not find a unique clothing item, and only black shoes were seized. Judge Yaron Gat ruled that there is reasonable suspicion and that the evidence 'interweaves with each other and strengthens the suspicion significantly.' Background: last month, shootings and arson attacks were recorded against Japanika branches, apparently amid the war between the crime organizations Mosli and Jerushi.