This morning (Sunday), the police and Shin Bet announced that three suspects had been arrested last night (Saturday) in connection with the firing of two flares toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea. The suspects were transferred for interrogation by Shin Bet and the police’s Lahav 433 unit. According to reports, the three suspects are well-known activists who have protested outside the Prime Minister’s home in Caesarea over the past five years, including a retired Brigadier General. The act was widely condemned across the political spectrum.
The incident occurred around 7:30 PM, apparently from the dunes near the Caesarea beach. The flares, typically used as distress signals by maritime vessels, were fired. Security footage near the Prime Minister’s house shows one of the flares striking what appears to be a security post in the yard. It should be noted that Netanyahu and his family were not home at the time of the incident.
A court imposed a 30-day gag order on details of the investigation and the suspects’ identities to prevent interference or harm to the inquiry. The police and Shin Bet stated, “This is a serious incident that represents a dangerous escalation, and the necessary investigative actions will be taken accordingly.”
This is not the first time flares have been fired toward the Prime Minister’s residence. Last week, a suspect was arrested for involvement in firing a flare toward Netanyahu’s official residence on Azza Street in Jerusalem during a protest. Police reported that the flare in that incident was also of the type used for maritime distress signals. The Magistrate’s Court extended the suspect’s detention, but the District Court later ordered his release, reasoning that “the use of such measures occurred in the context of a protest,” according to Judge Oded Shaham.
Photo by Chaim Walderberg/Flash90
Following last night’s flare incident, Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called for “full support to restore the justice system and law enforcement agencies.” He added, “There was no need for flares to be fired at the Prime Minister’s home to understand the severity of the rampant violence and insubordination by those trying to dismantle the state from within.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Levin’s call to renew judicial reforms but strongly condemned the flare incident in a post on his X account: “I unequivocally condemn the firing of flares toward the Prime Minister’s residence. I expect the police to find those responsible and bring them to justice with the full weight of the law,” Lapid said.
President Isaac Herzog also denounced the act, stating that he had spoken with the Shin Bet chief: “I emphasized the urgent need to investigate and handle those responsible for this incident immediately. The Shin Bet chief underscored that this is a dangerous escalation and assured that the investigation is being conducted with full seriousness,” Herzog announced.
National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz went further, labeling the firing of flares as an act of terror: “If the suspicions are correct, and protest activists are behind the flare firing toward the Prime Minister’s home, it must be said clearly: This is not a protest – this is terrorism.”
Despite his criticism of Netanyahu, Gantz stressed, “Although I deeply disagree with Netanyahu and frequently criticize him, and while I firmly believe the nation must elect new leaders, I have repeatedly said, even when others attacked me for it, that Netanyahu is neither a murderer nor an enemy. Protests against him and his government must always remain lawful. This is the position of the overwhelming majority of those who oppose this government, and it is the only correct stance. In light of recent events, all public leaders, including those leading protests against the government, must unequivocally state this today.”
