Jerusalem District police carried out a raid overnight Monday at the homes of three suspects in Beit Shemesh who were allegedly involved in the break-in to the local police station about a week ago.
The three suspects, 25, 46, and 56, were arrested and transferred for questioning.
The incident occurred last Monday, when extremist Chareidi protesters forced their way through one of the police station’s gates following the arrest of a ben yeshiva and his transfer to military police custody.
The police said that the protest escalated into a violent riot that included acts of vandalism, the placement of large rocks on roads, and the setting of several fires that damaged trees and vegetation.
Police forces, including Border Police officers, pushed the rioters out of the station compound and dispersed them using crowd-control measures.
Following the incident, Beit Shemesh police investigators conducted an intensive probe and identified three individuals suspected of being the main participants in the break-in.
Following their interrogation, the police are expected to bring them to court later on Tuesday and request an extension of their detention.
Jerusalem District Commander, Commissioner Avshalom Peled said: “We will not tolerate any harm to symbols of government authority or to dedicated police officers who work to uphold the law and protect the public. The serious incident at the Beit Shemesh station, in which rioters carried out a violent disturbance and broke into the station compound, crossed a red line and constituted a direct attack on law enforcement institutions in Israel.”
“We will not accept anarchy, and we will not allow harm to police officers or police facilities. The targeted arrests carried out overnight are only one stage in a decisive and ongoing enforcement effort. Anyone who took part in rioting, vandalism, or attacks against police officers should know that the long arm of the police will reach them, at a time, place, and manner of our choosing.”
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)