
The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court granted the request of the Jerusalem District Police and extended by five days the arrest of Eyal Yaffe, 72, suspected of committing a serious act against a Border Police fighter during a left-wing protest near the Knesset.
The investigation against him also includes other offenses, including illegal possession of weapons.
The suspect requested house arrest: "I served the country for many years, including in the reserves and in this war. I have a health problem and this arrest is very problematic for me.".
Judge Eitan Arnon extended his detention, saying: "Performing an indecent act against a 23-year-old Border Police fighter during a demonstration, intended to humiliate her and done in full view, indicates unbridled and even dangerous behavior.".
The suspect, who was arrested on Saturday evening by detectives from the Moriah police station with the assistance of Northern District police, was captured at his home in the Gan Ner settlement near Afula, in accordance with an arrest warrant.
He is suspected of committing an indecent act, participating in an illegal gathering, assaulting a police officer, and obstructing a police officer in the performance of his duties.
During the arrest, the police searched the suspect's home - a search that continued until after Shabbat. The search found weapons, including a Kalashnikov rifle and a large amount of ammunition.
According to the suspect, the weapon in his possession is from the Yom Kippur War.
At the end of the Sabbath, the suspect was brought to court, where the judge ordered his detention extended until Wednesday for the continuation of the investigation. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and that all aspects of the case - both the incident at the demonstration and the possession of weapons - are being examined in depth.
Commentator Amit Segal wrote after the court's decision: "Not only did he hide ammunition seized in his home in extraordinary quantities, but in 2023 he stole a tank from a memorial site. Incidentally, contrary to his statements that it was old ammunition, the box of bullets is from May 2024.".