The Jerusalem Magistrates Court on Thursday extended the arrest of Lt. Col. (res.) Amos Doron, 60, who was arrested for setting fire to garbage bins near the Prime Minister’s Residence in Rechavia on Wednesday, causing a large blaze that destroyed several vehicles and led to the evacuation of residents from a nearby building.

Doron, a resident of Ramat Gan, is a well-known protest activist who, before the October 7 massacre, protested against the Netanyahu government as part of the Brothers in Arms organization. The police presented the judge with footage of Doron setting the fires while in disguise and then fleeing the scene.

The police representative said at the hearing, “Doron arrived disguised and set fire to garbage bins in the area of the Prime Minister’s house. He caused damage to a vehicle and other property at the scene and then fled.”

He further said that Doron has no criminal record, but there are cases open against him for similar offenses. During his interrogation, Doron confirmed that he was in Jerusalem at those hours but denied involvement in the arson.

Police sources said that “the arson was carried out in a very sophisticated manner” and that the suspects used various accessories and may have even glued on beards as part of their disguises.

The Shin Bet is involved in the investigation due to the proximity to the Prime Minister’s residence, a government symbol.

Ynet revealed that Doron, a “protester” ostensibly acting for the “sake of the hostages,” has previously been indicted for a similar offense during a protest that was ostensibly against the government’s judicial reform plan. In September 2023, he set a tire on fire and rolled it during a protest in Jerusalem.

Additionally, after his name was revealed, Israeli social media users posted footage of Doron acting violently and bullying others during the judicial reform protests. He is also the cousin of the man who launched flares at the Prime Minister’s home in Caesarea.

An additional suspect, 83, was released to house arrest after claiming that he was not present in the area at the time of the incident.

The police arrested another suspect who allegedly lit a smoke grenade on the roof of the National Library in Givat Ram. His detention was extended only until Thursday evening. The police are expected to file an appeal.

In the wake of the incident, Deputy Minister of National Security Almog Cohen called on Defense Minister Yisrael Katz to declare the Brothers in Arms organization a terrorist organization.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)