A 40-year-old Eilat resident is in police custody as he is believed to be the arsonist responsible for fires near the Nachal Sorek IDF base as well as three fires in the Jerusalem area. The investigation began a week ago after the fire near the army base.

Police and fire department investigators report that fire at the base resulted in extensive environmental damage. On the same day, an investigation by the Israel Police led to the arrest of the suspect in Jerusalem.

Investigation of the incident revealed that the suspect reached the field of thorns together with his dog, took sheets of paper from the backpack and ignited them and threw them around the field.

The investigation also revealed that the suspect was involved in three other incidents of arson during the month, in which the suspect allegedly set fire to a souvenir stall near the Jaffa Gate and open areas near Sultan’s Pool and Beit Tzefafa in Jerusalem.

The suspect’s remand was extended, and on Wednesday, 6 Menachem Av, the prosecution filed a statement in his case, according to which the suspect will be indicted in the coming days.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)