Court Extends Remand of Settler Arrested Over Samaria Arson and Clashes
A Rishon LeZion court extended the remand of a Samaria settler suspected of arson and stone-throwing against Palestinians. The suspect was caught masked after a pursuit.
The Magistrates Court in Rishon LeZion has extended by three days the remand of Ydeya Shmuel Stein, a settler from Bracha, who was arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson and stone-throwing at Palestinians in Samaria. The suspect was apprehended while masked after attempting to flee from security forces.
The incident began on Friday afternoon following a report that three settlers had been attacked by Palestinians. A military force arrived at the scene, while simultaneous reports indicated residents descending from the Yitzhar area toward Havat Ronen and the village of Burin. Surveillance units identified stone-throwing and fires in the area, prompting military forces and Border Police combatants to deploy to the location, where they encountered masked suspects throwing stones and observed active fire sites near structures.
During the operation, security forces apprehended Ydeya Shmuel Stein while he was masked. A police representative stated during the court hearing that the suspect resisted arrest and attempted to escape, leading to a brief pursuit. He was interrogated twice at the police station but chose to remain silent. Police requested a four-day extension of his remand on suspicion of arson, violation of a legal order, obstructing a public servant, and conduct likely to breach the public peace.
During the proceedings, the defense attorney demanded to know whether there was an operational report from a soldier who directly witnessed the suspect throwing stones. The police representative acknowledged that most of the masked individuals were holding stones and explained that not all soldier testimonies had yet been collected. In response to the defense query regarding whether any report specifically identified the suspect in the act, the police representative stated: "According to what is currently in the investigative file, he was not pointed out." The defense argued that police had presented no direct evidence.
Judge Ariel Salto rejected the defense arguments, ruling that a reasonable suspicion links the detainee to the offenses. He emphasized that the investigative materials establish both dangerousness and grounds for concern over obstruction of justice. In his decision, Judge Salto noted: "I grant the request, albeit partially, in order to allow judicial review over the progress and development of the investigation."
