Suspect: Recruit Allegedly Set Fire to Japanika Branch While Riding an Electric Scooter

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended today, Monday, the detention of an 18-year-old suspect in the arson of a Japanika branch in Givatayim by seven days, as suspicions against him have intensified. During the hearing, details regarding the travel route of the suspect—who is due to be drafted into a combat unit soon—and the police's investigative process were revealed.

Representative of the Tel Aviv Central Unit, Chief Warrant Officer Dan Yoeli, stated that since the previous extension, numerous investigative actions have been carried out, leading to a "very significant thickening of the suspicion." The investigation team presented the court with an updated secret report and additional documents intended to bolster the evidentiary infrastructure.

During cross-examination, the suspect's attorney, Ariel Atari, raised several questions regarding how police linked his client to the arson, specifically questioning his identification as the scooter rider seen near the scene. The attorney pointed out discrepancies in the clothing worn by the person in the footage compared to his client, noting that police searches of the suspect's home yielded only a pair of black shoes rather than any unique clothing items. He emphasized that the suspect has no criminal record and is scheduled to be drafted in November into the Golani Reconnaissance Unit or Combat Engineering.

Judge Yaron Gat determined that a review of the file shows a reasonable suspicion and that recent investigative actions have "significantly" strengthened the case. He noted that an "evidentiary picture emerges that combines various pieces of evidence," and ordered the seven-day extension, citing necessary investigative steps that require the suspect to remain in custody.

Attorney Atari responded: "The Israel Police is trying to link a normative young man, who was supposed to start a pre-military program in two months, to a criminal event he is not related to. I expect the police to admit that the young man is not connected to the event and release him this week."

Last month, a series of grenade attacks, shootings, and arson attempts were recorded against Japanika branches nationwide. It is suspected that the sushi chain has become a victim of a conflict between the Musli and Jarushi crime organizations.