Two suspects were arrested Tuesday evening in Beit Shemesh after being caught tearing down Israeli flags that had been placed throughout the city ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers.

According to a police statement, officers observed the pair in the act of removing and desecrating the flags, disrupting public order. Police units at the scene quickly identified the suspects and apprehended them.

The two were taken to the local police station for questioning, and authorities will later determine whether to request an extension of their detention in court.

Police strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “a disgraceful and despicable act,” and emphasized the severity of the offense given the timing—on the eve of Memorial Day, when citizens across Israel pause to remember those who fell in the country’s wars.

Authorities added that they will continue to act decisively against any harm to state symbols or disturbances of public order, particularly during such sensitive days.