BySHIR PERETS
Updated:

A 16-year-old Bnei Brak resident was arrested on suspicion of setting fire to a Pride flag over the weekend, the Israel Police confirmed on Monday.

The incident occurred on Saturday night, when police received reports of a suspect riding a bicycle while holding and igniting a Pride flag.

Officers from the Lev Tel Aviv police station launched an investigation at the scene, collecting evidence and witness testimony. Following investigative work, youth division detectives obtained a court-issued arrest warrant.

The teen was arrested on Sunday morning, and police found a burnt Pride flag and a lighter during a search of his belongings.

Supporters of gay marriage wave the rainbow flag after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry at the Supreme Court in Washington June 26, 2015
Supporters of gay marriage wave the rainbow flag after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry at the Supreme Court in Washington June 26, 2015 (credit: JOSHUA ROBERTS/REUTERS)

The suspect was taken for questioning and subsequently held in custody. He is expected to appear before a juvenile court for a remand hearing.

Targeting Pride symbols in Tel Aviv

Incidents targeting Pride symbols have occurred sporadically in recent years, often drawing sharp criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups and public officials.

In Tel Aviv, widely recognized as a hub of LGBTQ life in the region, the annual Pride Parade typically attracts tens of thousands of participants and visitors. Police generally step up security during Pride Month events due to concerns over possible provocations or hate-motivated actions.