Arson

Police received reports at around 3:15 am of the fire at Nöam restaurant and the business next door, and spent several hours bringing the flames under control. Both buildings sustained major damage.

A total of 26 battalions are now operating across the sector, with a security official warning on Sunday that the situation was "a snowball rolling downhill."

Most recently, the investigation into the attacks on Japanika has expanded internationally, with the FBI and Romanian police now involved, N12 reported on Friday.

The town later announced that the FBI had joined the investigation and that officials were examining whether the arson “may have been motivated by bias” but said no determination had been made.

The suspect, a 22-year-old resident of Kfar Yarka, was arrested and taken to the local police station for questioning, after which he was detained. 

The suspect allegedly used antisemitic slurs while threatening Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and was later charged with terrorist threats and ethnic intimidation.

Mohamed Ilyess Akodad pleaded guilty to the attack, telling the court that he believes he deserves to be "severely punished" during his sentencing.

The incident follows a previous arson at the same cafe in May, after the owner reportedly received threats over the cafe’s Saturday opening.

The suspect, a Russian national who was allegedly obeying instructions from a handler in Syria, purchased components and chemicals used to manufacture incendiary devices, according to the FSB. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Australian officials have claimed the attack was one of two incidents carried out at Iran’s behest, leading to the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador.