Masked men placed an explosive device last night (Wednesday) that exploded at the tomb of the great priest Ishmael, near the village of Sajur in the north.
The charge hit the outer and inner walls of the tomb.
Northern District Police investigators, together with the Shin Bet, launched a joint investigation to identify and locate the suspects.
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An initial investigation indicates that suspects arrived at the scene, placed an improvised explosive device near the outer wall - and fled.
Minister of Religious Affairs Michael Malchieli responded to the desecration of the grave: "The criminal damage to the grave of Rabbi Yishmael Cohen Gadol is an act of terrorism for all intents and purposes. I trust the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, which will work to bring the criminals to justice.".
He added that he will work to restore the destruction at the Tomb of the Divine Tanna. "I have instructed my office staff to work quickly to restore the holy site.".
