Seven Israelis arrested for attack on couple in Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem District police officers and Israel Border Police soldiers arrested seven Jewish youths, most of them residents of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council in the West Bank, on suspicion of involvement in violently attacking a Muslim couple in Jerusalem’s Old City on Tuesday.

The attack occurred while the couple was present in the area, with shouts of "Allahu Akbar" heard in the background. Jerusalem District police officers and Border Police soldiers, who were called to the scene, dispersed the attackers, halted the assault, and arrested seven suspects aged 15 to 20. The suspects were taken for questioning.

Increased police presence 

The Jerusalem District Police increased their presence last night, deploying additional forces to secure worshipers as part of Tisha B'Av events and prevent any attempts to escalate tensions or disturb the peace in the Old City and around the Western Wall. The rapid response of forces on the ground effectively brought the situation under control.

According to the investigation’s findings, the suspects will be brought before a court with a request to extend their detention. The police investigation is ongoing, with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice. 

"This was an isolated incident that was quickly addressed through the use of surveillance cameras in the area, which helped locate and apprehend those involved. This is the Jerusalem District's standard response to any incident, aiming to prevent escalation and maintain peace," said a senior police official.