Israeli arrested on suspicion of arson of asylum seekers’ homes

A 20-year-old Israeli from south Tel Aviv has been arrested last night in connection to the arson attacks on four asylum seekers’ houses and one kindergarten. Police says the young man is suspected of having committed the attacks on racist grounds, in an attempt to force non-Israeli residents out of the neighborhood. The suspect will be brought before a court this morning, and police are asking to extend his detention until the investigation is complete. Updates will follow.

Update, 15:15: A Tel Aviv judge has extended the remand of the young man arrested in relation to the arson attacks. The man is a resident of Shapira neighborhood, has a criminal record, and according to police was recently arrested for throwing eggs at a Sudanese asylum seeker. He is now suspected of committing several acts of arson. The court accepted the request made by police to extend his detention pending further interrogation until Wednesday morning.

Forensics take pictures of unused Molotov cocktails (Oren Ziv / Activestills)
Forensic workers take pictures of unused Molotov cocktails (Oren Ziv / Activestills)

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