Bat Yam Man Arrested for Arson as Police Seize Converted Grenade
A 22-year-old Bat Yam resident was arrested for suspected arson attacks on a Balfour Street store. Police also uncovered a converted hand grenade during a raid on his home.
A 22-year-old resident of Bat Yam has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in two arson attacks targeting a store on Balfour Street in the city last August. During a search of the suspect's home, police detectives discovered a hand grenade converted into an improvised explosive device, which was allegedly held illegally.
Following the conclusion of the police investigation, a prosecutor's statement was submitted against the young man. The prosecutor's office is expected to file a formal indictment in the coming days, alongside a request to remand him in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The investigation began on August 8 and 9, following emergency reports regarding suspicious incidents at the same commercial establishment on Balfour Street. The first incident involved a suspected arson attempt, while the store was successfully set on fire the following day, resulting in property damage.
Officers from the Bat Yam police station launched an investigation, gathering forensic evidence and testimonies from the scene. On October 20, investigators arrested the suspect and transferred him to the station for questioning. A subsequent search of his residence led to the seizure of the modified explosive device, prompting the deployment of Tel Aviv district sappers to neutralize and remove the item safely.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the possession of the explosive device and its potential link to the arson incidents. The motive behind the attacks remains under investigation and was not disclosed in the police statement.
