Police arrest two suspects after gun threats at ultra-Orthodox protest

Israeli police opened an expedited investigation after videos and other documentation spread on social media showed serious incidents during yesterday’s vehicle convoy protest on the main road to Jerusalem. The material raised strong suspicion that in two separate cases, firearms were drawn and used to threaten demonstrators taking part in the protest.

Following the findings, Jerusalem District police launched an overnight manhunt and arrested two suspects linked to the incidents. Both were taken for urgent questioning at the Harel police station in Mevaseret Zion.

Police said investigators have already built an evidentiary basis against the first suspect, and officers confiscated his personal weapon. Later today, police plan to ask the court to formally extend his detention so they can continue the investigation.

The second suspect is still being questioned. An initial check by Harel station investigators found that he does not hold a legal firearms licence, and police are now examining the circumstances of the case and the source of the gun he allegedly used.