Three Arrested for Grenade Attack on Northern Israeli Restaurant Branch

Israeli police arrested three suspects on Monday in connection with a fragmentation grenade attack on a Japenika restaurant branch in Rosh Pinna that occurred in July. The suspects were taken for questioning by the Kinneret District's anti-crime unit. They are scheduled to appear in the Kiryat Shmona Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, where police will request an extension of their detention.

This incident is part of a series of attacks targeting Japenika branches. Last month, indictments were filed against two 18-year-old youths from Rehovot for allegedly setting fire to a Japenika branch in Givatayim. They were also charged with impersonation and obstructing a police officer.

During the investigation into the Givatayim arson, investigators obtained chat logs showing one of the defendants asking ChatGPT about penalties for arson, prolonged prison sentences, and the severity of such cases, including hypothetical scenarios where no one was present. Following the arson, the suspect reportedly tracked and documented news reports about the incident.

In a separate but related case, the Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Natanel Aboudi, 22, and Nahorai Havaz, 18, both from Bat Yam. They are accused of throwing a fragmentation grenade at a Japenika restaurant in Kiryat Ono approximately one month prior. According to the indictment, the two conspired to attack the restaurant, acquiring an electric bicycle and a grenade. They arrived at the location late at night, when one employee was inside the restaurant and two other individuals were nearby.