Officers of the crime fighting unit in the Jerusalem District’s Kedem region have worked for weeks with officers of the Shalem station and Jerusalem Border Guards to arrest a squad of 4 terrorists involved in throwing Molotov cocktails and firing fireworks in the recent months towards passenger vehicles driving through the neighborhood of Silwan, Houses, and towards security forces in the area. In one of these incidents, a Border Guard was lightly injured.
According to a statement by the Police, a prosecutor’s statement was filed a few days ago, and the prosecution is expected to indict them.
Arresting the suspects. (Source: Israel Police Spokesperson)
The investigation began about a month ago, when a report was received by the police call center of disturbances in the neighborhood of Silwan which included the firing of fireworks towards structures and officers working in the area. In the wake of the report, the police seized fireworks “honeycombs” after use and opened an investigation at the Kedem crime fighting unit.
During the investigation, investigators managed to find 4 people suspected of the act (2 adults and 2 minors, residents of East Jerusalem and the north), who were involved in the firing of fireworks and the throwing of Molotov cocktails towards buildings in Silwan about a month ago.
The police investigation revealed that each member of the terrorist squad had a specific job: observation, documentation, and perpetration. The police suspect that the terrorists were involved in a number of cases of violent disturbances including the firing of fireworks and the throwing of Molotov cocktails. In addition, a search by police revealed the suspects to be in position of an improvised bomb, many firecrackers, Hamas symbols, air guns, and face coverings.
The investigation also revealed that the terrorists often published items containing incitement to violence, admiration and support for the Hamas terror organization and terrorists, and especially in the last two weeks in the wake of the murderous massacre in the south of the country.
The suspects’ imprisonment has been extended from time to time, and a few days ago, with the completion of the investigation and the establishment of an evidentiary basis, a prosecutor’s statement was submitted and an indictment is expected to be filed.
The police stressed in their statement that “anyone who endangers security forces or citizens – endangers their life. Any attempt to harm officers or citizens, will be dealt with with determination and all the tools at our disposal. We will continue to work to preserve the public peace and security.”