Suspect Arrested in Deadly Holon Car Bombing; Weapons, Drugs Found

Israeli police have arrested a 34-year-old man, Ghazi Ashkar, in the Jaffa area on suspicion of direct involvement in the murder of a 25-year-old man. The victim was killed two months ago when a bomb detonated inside his car at a gas station in Holon. The explosion also caused the vehicle to catch fire.

During the operation to apprehend Ashkar, detectives from the Tel Aviv District's Central Unit and riot police searched areas near his residence. They discovered a loaded handgun, fully loaded magazines, and approximately half a kilogram of suspected cocaine. This discovery led to the arrest of a second suspect, 30-year-old Saleh Abu Zeid, on charges of possessing weapons and narcotics.

The incident occurred on June 28, when a powerful explosion rocked the Holon gas station. The victim, also a Jaffa resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation was assigned to the Central Unit of the Tel Aviv District.

Both Ashkar and Abu Zeid were taken to the Tel Aviv Central Unit for questioning under caution. They are scheduled to be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Thursday for a remand hearing as the investigation continues. Police view Ashkar's arrest as a significant breakthrough in tracing the assassination and identifying those involved, while the discovery of weapons and drugs potentially opens new criminal avenues in the Jaffa area.