Grenade transfer linked to Musli-Jarushi conflict: Umm al-Fahm resident arrested
The court extended the detention of 21-year-old Ahmad Hariri by one week on suspicion of handing over fragmentation grenades to another suspect. The defense challenged the detention, citing a lack of forensic evidence linking the suspect to the incident.
Two IDF fragmentation grenades found earlier this month in the trunk of a vehicle on Highway 6, linked to the conflict between the Musli and Jarushi crime families, have led to the arrest of an Umm al-Fahm resident.
Ahmad Hariri, a 21-year-old resident of the northern city, is suspected by the police of handing over the grenades to another suspect in whose car they were seized.
Although police have not presented DNA findings or fingerprints linking him to the transfer, investigators claim they possess a "variety of evidence." The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court determined there is reasonable suspicion against him and that the "danger is clear," extending his detention by a week.
Hariri was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy, arms trafficking, and obstruction of justice. Chief Inspector Dan Yoali, representing the Tel Aviv Central Unit (YAMAR), stated during the hearing that this is a continuation of an investigation in which two other suspects were previously arrested. One of them, Robert, was apprehended about two and a half weeks ago while driving south on Highway 6, when a search of his vehicle revealed the two IDF fragmentation grenades.
According to police, the investigative picture suggests that Hariri handed the grenades to Robert shortly before the latter's arrest. Investigators hold a detailed secret report and numerous materials, with further investigative actions pending that are directly related to Hariri.
It emerged during the hearing that the arrest warrant for Hariri was issued a week ago. Police stated that between the seizure of the grenades and the issuance of the warrant, extensive investigative work was conducted, during which Hariri's name surfaced and suspicions against him gradually strengthened.
It was also revealed that a day before his arrest, detectives arrived at Hariri's home in Umm al-Fahm and served the warrant to his father. Police claim Hariri was aware of the warrant but did not turn himself in, and was only arrested after being located by detectives while allegedly "on his way to disappear" with a bag of clothes. Police further noted that Hariri has remained silent during interrogation, which is hindering the investigation's progress.
Defense attorney Menashe Salton asked the court to examine the timeline from when his client's name first appeared in the investigation to the execution of the warrant. He emphasized the lack of direct forensic evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA, and argued that any security camera footage must be verified for identification accuracy. Judge Shani Stern rejected the defense's arguments, stating that the investigative unit acted diligently, and ordered the seven-day extension of Hariri's detention.
