Four Youths Arrested in Ashkelon Shooting Incident, Detentions Extended

A Beersheba Magistrate's Court extended the detention of four young men suspected of involvement in a shooting incident that occurred recently in Ashkelon. One suspect is from Jerusalem, and three are from Ashkelon. The police are investigating the possibility that the shots heard in a residential neighborhood were fired by one of the four, as a licensed handgun was found in his possession. He is a security guard serving in the Border Police reserves. The police attribute charges of firing in a residential area, purchasing, transporting, and possessing weapons, and conspiracy to commit a crime to the suspects. The court extended the detention of one suspect for three days, while three others, including two brothers who are among the suspects, were sent to house arrest for three days. Judge Or Adam stated that even if the evidence is currently inadmissible, it is sufficient for a reasonable suspicion for an initial arrest until admissible evidence is established. He added that given the severity of the offenses, which were allegedly committed with planning and sophistication within the framework of gang disputes, it is appropriate to allow the police to complete their investigation and establish the suspicion with admissible evidence. The police had requested a six-day extension for the detentions, but the judge granted a partial extension. The investigation is ongoing, with police exploring whether the shooting was related to a prior dispute involving motorcycle riders and one of the suspects.