Three arrested in connection to flares launched at Netanyahu residence
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Three Israelis, including a senior officer in the reserves, have been arrested over the flares launched at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence.
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Flames rise after flares are launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea, occupied Palestine, November 16, 2024 (Social media)
Three people were arrested early Sunday morning after two flares were fired at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea, landing in the yard, according to the Israeli occupation police.
No injuries or damage were reported, and officials confirmed that Netanyahu and his family were not at the house at the time.
"Three suspects were arrested overnight for their involvement in the incident" that took place Saturday evening, the police said in a statement, adding that the suspects would be interrogated jointly with the Shin Bet internal security agency.
The statement added that a court ordered a gag on publishing any details of the investigation or the suspects' identities for 30 days.
Israel media reported that those in custody had not been permitted to meet with legal counsel.
⚡︎ WATCH FIRE IGNITING IN NETANYAHU'S RESIDENCE
— Infinitum (@InfinitumZ) November 17, 2024
Flame rage as flares are chucked by unknown people at Israeli PM home in Caesarea, landing right in his yard.
Israeli intelligence investigating incident described as serious escalation, Justice Minister Levin claims linked to… pic.twitter.com/ym4XPrGe6o
The Israeli police's Lahav 433 major crimes unit and the Shin Bet security agency are jointly investigating what authorities described as a "dangerous escalation." The incident sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli leaders across the political spectrum.
The speaker of the Israeli parliament, Amir Ohana, accused anti-government protesters of being behind the incident.
"The writing was on the walls, on the streets, in incendiary messages and in demonstrations," he said, referring to regular anti-government protests that erupted in early 2023.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and National Unity Party chairman Benny Gantz both released statements denouncing the act and calling on law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
"This incident is a threat to our democracy and must be dealt with immediately," Gantz stated.
"If the suspicions are true and activists are behind the firing of flares at the premier's residence, it should be said clearly: this is not protest, this is terrorism," he wrote on X, following media reports that the suspects detained were members of the anti-government protest movement.
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman echoed these concerns, stating that the incident "signifies an escalation in the attempt to harm the democratic institutions of the State of Israel." He also emphasized the importance of backing security forces as they investigate.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also issued a strong condemnation, revealing that he had spoken with Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who described the incident as a "dangerous escalation." Herzog stressed the need to contain the situation, warning that "the flames must not be allowed to escalate."
So-called Justice Minister Yariv Levin went further, labeling the incident a "link in a chain of violent and anarchic actions," which he claimed were aimed at destabilizing the government.
Levin, a prominent advocate of the government's judicial overhaul plan, attributed the escalation to "selective enforcement" by law enforcement agencies and called for renewed backing of his judicial reforms to restore order.
"The time has come for full support to be given to restore the justice system and law enforcement systems," Levin declared. "Anarchy and attempts to harm the prime minister must be stopped."
Attack on Netanyahu's house
Two flares were launched near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea before falling in its courtyard, Israeli police reported.
The incident was coined a dangerous and gradual escalation, prompting a joint investigation to be launched by the Israeli Shin Bet and police.
Reactions to the incident poured in soon after, with Israeli President Isaac Hertzog describing it as an "extremely dangerous incident."
Netanyahu's family previously requested comprehensive renovation and protection work at all of their residences, without setting any budget limitations.
According to Ynet, such renovations, for the Caesarea residence alone, are likely to cost between 3 and 8 million New Israeli Shekels, (790,000- 2.11 million USD).
This came after a drone attack launched by Hezbollah made direct impact on Netanyahu's place of residence in Caesarea, southern Haifa, when he and his wife were not present. The drone reportedly precisely struck his bedroom window, causing the window to shatter.
Details revealed that the drone was able to directly hit its target, causing casualties post-detonation. Israeli occupation forces admitted that air defenses were unable to intercept the drone as it pierced through occupied territories.
