Two Teens Charged with Arson of Japnika Restaurant in Givatayim After ChatGPT Inquiry

Eighteen-year-old Oshar Bayach and his friend Hanan Yaakov, both from Rehovot, were charged on Friday with setting fire to a Japnika restaurant branch in Givatayim last month. According to the indictment filed at the Tel Aviv District Court, the two conspired to ignite the Asian restaurant located on Derech HaShalom Street. Early one morning, they traveled from Rehovot to Bnei Brak, where they acquired an electric scooter and three plastic bottles filled with flammable liquid, along with gloves, face masks, and ignition tools.

They then rode the scooter to the restaurant around 4:17 a.m., wearing hooded sweaters and covering their heads. Yaakov reportedly wore gloves and a mask to conceal his identity. Yaakov approached the lit restaurant, where an employee was present, and poured the flammable liquid on the doors, windows, entrance area, and nearby plants. Bayach waited nearby on the scooter while Yaakov ignited the liquid, causing the fire to spread to the vegetation, seating area, canopy, doors, and windows. The pair fled the scene together on the scooter.

The fire caused damage estimated at approximately 13,500 shekels, including broken windows, destroyed plants, and damaged outdoor furniture. Prosecutors requested to extend the suspects’ detention under aggravated circumstances until the conclusion of legal proceedings. Evidence includes security camera footage tracking their movements from Rehovot to Bnei Brak and the restaurant, witness testimonies, and mobile phone data showing communications and locations matching the timeline.

Bayach reportedly consulted ChatGPT about the legal consequences of arson and long prison sentences about two weeks before his arrest. Both suspects have exercised their right to silence, with Yaakov denying the charges. Prosecutors emphasized the danger posed to the public and the employee by setting fire to an occupied, illuminated restaurant. Although neither has a prior criminal record, the prosecution highlighted the severity of the act amid a series of violent incidents targeting Japnika restaurants. Bayach also faces charges of impersonation and obstructing a police officer after attempting to evade arrest and not identifying himself truthfully.