Two Teens Charged with Arson for Setting Fire to Givatayim Restaurant

Hanan Yaakov and Osher Bayakh, both 18 and from Rehovot, have been charged with arson for setting fire to the Japnika restaurant in Givatayim about a month ago. According to the indictment filed by Attorney Tamar Teitelbaum from the Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office, the two conspired to ignite the restaurant, equipping themselves with 4.5 liters of flammable liquid, ignition tools, and wearing camouflage clothing. They arrived near the restaurant at 4 a.m., with Yaakov pouring and igniting the flammable liquid while an employee was inside the restaurant. The pair then fled the scene. The indictment accuses them of aggravated arson. Additionally, Bayakh faces charges of impersonation and interfering with a police officer after attempting to evade arrest and identifying himself as someone else. The prosecution has requested their detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings, emphasizing that their actions endangered the public and the employee's life, with the incident narrowly resulting in property damage only.