Israel Police have arrested a 30-year-old Jerusalem Arab in connection with a plan to blow up a downtown Jerusalem bar.
The 30-year-old man, a resident of the terrorist safe haven of Jabel Mukabar near the Old City, was arraigned in Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He is charged in connection with having sabotaged gas pipelines and gas balloons near entertainment establishments and residential buildings, with the intent of committing arson with a lit cigarette.
Due to a gag order, details are limited, but Israel Police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said, “Several days after the investigation began, the suspect was identified and arrested… He appeared before the court today, where a judge ordered his remand until further notice as the investigation continues.”
On March 4, police were called to deal with a gas leak in downtown Jerusalem at the Tzaatzua Pub. The area was immediately cordoned off while firefighting teams dealt with the leaks. A special investigation team opened a probe into the incident, leading to the arrest.
The suspect allegedly arrived at a crowded pub in the city center shortly before the call to police. He entered the alley behind the pub, where he found a cluster of gas balloons in a closet. After noticing the pub’s back door was unlocked, the investigation revealed he opened gas taps and sabotaged the gas pipelines aimed at regulating gas flow while he was holding a lit cigarette.
The suspect then threw the cigarette towards the gas balloons and fled the scene, according to the indictment.
He is charged with intentional property damage, attempted arson and attempt to destroy property by using explosive material.
Ilana Messika and TPS contributed content to this report.