Molotov cocktail (archives)
Photo: Yuval Arel, Israel police
Arab man charged with throwing firebombs
Umm al-Fahm resident with criminal record allegedly made, threw Molotov cocktails at Jewish town
Tabeth Soubhi Jabarin, a 31-year old resident of Umm al-Fahm who has a criminal record, was charged Thursday with throwing Molotov cocktails at the fence of the Jewish community Mei Ami two weeks ago.
The man is suspected of committing the crime in identification with Arabs and Palestinians who rioted in east Jerusalem and the West Bank in protest against Israeli government policy at the country's holy sites.
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He is accused of filling plastic bottles with fuel extracted from cars in his city and then transferring it to glass bottles at the scene, connecting them to flares, and throwing them towards the fence. No injuries were reported, but the surrounding vegetation was damaged.
After interrogations conducted by the Shin Bet and police Jabarin was charged with producing weapons, carrying weapons, and attempted arson. The prosecution also demanded the remand of his arrest.
Prosecuting attorney Tal Ofer explained that Jabarin had an extensive criminal past, with a record including attempted arson and crimes of violence and property theft. He has served prison sentences and is currently on parole.
Ofer explained that Jabarin's release from custody would endanger the public because the reason behind the crimes was race-related. He has admitted to throwing the bottles and even led investigators to the scene, where remains of the homemade bombs were found.
Sharon Roffe-Ofir contributed to this report
