The Jerusalem Magistrates Court on Thursday extended by five days the arrest of Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Amos Doron, 60, a retired officer and well-known anti-government activist, who is suspected of setting fire to recycling bins near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence.
Doron, from Ramat Gan, denies the charges. Police presented footage reportedly showing him at the scene during the incident, claiming he had arrived on vacation. “There is reasonable suspicion of the suspect and a real concern of danger and disruption,” the court said when extending his detention.
An additional suspect, an 83-year-old man, was released to house arrest after police found no incriminating evidence. Authorities said he had claimed he was not present at the scene during the arson.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning during a protest organized as part of a “Day of Disruption” by families of abducted Israelis, calling for the return of the hostages and an end to hostilities. Police and firefighters were dispatched to extinguish flames and prevent further risk to residents and commuters. While several vehicles were damaged and nearby buildings evacuated, authorities confirmed that no one was injured.