2 more suspects arrested for mosque arson
Two young Yitzhar residents, students in Dorshei Yichudeicha Yeshiva, arrested in nighttime raid on yeshiva dorms, transferred to Shin Bet for investigation
Security forces arrested two young men early Wednesday morning from the Dorshei Yichudeicha Yeshiva in Yitzhar on suspicions that they were involved in the mosque arson in the village of Yasuf last month.
Ten other suspects were arrested during a Shin Bet and police raid on the settlement two days ago.
The two young men were arrested when they were asleep in the yeshiva dorms and were transferred to the Shin Bet for investigation.
The torching of the mosque occurred on December 11. Graffiti was sprayed on the walls that read: "Prepare for the price tag, regards from Effie."
"Price tag" is the slogan used for reprisals carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinians. The defense establishment estimates that this recent incident came in protest against the settlement building freeze imposed by the government.
Following the arson, clashes broke out between the IDF and the Palestinians near the village.
The police and the Shin Bet conducted a raid in Yitzhar two days ago during which they arrested ten people on suspicions of being involved in the mosque arson as well as other offenses. The police reported that Yitzhar residents Eliran Elgali and Tzvi Sukkot, and Alon Moreh resident Shlomo Gilbert, all of whom are 20 years old, are suspected of seriously damaging Palestinian property. Another two yeshiva students were arrested during the raid.
At the time of their arrest, the yeshiva in Yitzhar was searched, and the police reported that they found instruments used for violence, including spikes.
In addition to these five suspects, another five were arrested, four of whom are minors, on suspicions of causing disturbances throughout the West Bank.
