Two teenagers indicted over arson attack against Givatayim Japanika restaurant

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Crime in IsraelAccording to the indictment, the two obtained an electric scooter, flammable material, and equipment to start a fire before arriving near the restaurant.Follow us on GoogleA view of a Japanika restaurant branch owned by businessman Barak Abramov that was damaged in a shooting in Herzliya, central Israel, July 14, 2026.(photo credit: Tal Gal/Flash90)ByHODAYA RANAUGUST 14, 2026 11:13The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment with the Tel Aviv District Court against Hanan Yaakov, 18, and Osher Bayech, 18, both from Rehovot, accusing them of setting fire to a Japanika restaurant in Givatayim about a month ago.According to the indictment, the two obtained an electric scooter, flammable material, and equipment to start a fire before arriving near the restaurant.After concealing their identities, Yaakov poured the flammable material and set it alight while an employee was inside the restaurant.A view of a Japanika restaurant branch owned by businessman Barak Abramov that was damaged in a shooting in Herzliya, central Israel, July 14, 2026. (credit: Tal Gal/Flash90)The prosecution has requested that the two remain in custody until the conclusion of the legal proceedings against them.Two indicted for throwing grenade at JapanikaTwo men from Bat Yam were also indicted on Thursday for allegedly repeatedly throwing a fragmentation grenade at a Japanika restaurant until it exploded while an employee was inside, in Kiryat Ono.The July 13 attack came amid a wave of grenade, gunfire, and arson attacks on branches of the restaurant chain that police have investigated against the backdrop of an organized-crime dispute.Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report.Follow us on Google