Arrest (stock image)
Arrest (stock image)iStock

Police are investigating a Palestinian Authority Arab on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old haredi girl, Kikar Hashabbat reported.

The Arab was renovating the family's Jerusalem home when he entered the girl's room and raped her. The girl told her parents, who brought her to the police station to file a complaint.

After the girl and her parents arrived at the police station, an investigation was opened, during which advanced technology was used. Welfare authorities were alerted, and the girl was interrogated.

Police succeeded in locating the suspect, a 41-year-old Bethlehem (Beit Lehem) resident.

According to Kikar Hashabbat, the suspect was arrested on Thursday and brought to a Jerusalem police station for questioning. The suspect incriminated himself, and his arrest was extended until Monday.

Currently, the suspect is being charged with rape by use of force or threat, as well as illegally entering Israel.

Arabs who wish to cross into pre-1967 Israel from Judea and Samaria but do not have Israeli citizenship must apply for permits. The reason is usually in order to work, but since criminals and terrorists seeking to carry out attacks can try to join them, there is a need for permits so that each can be vetted and a record kept.

An Israel Police spokesperson said, "This was an efficient investigation, and it was opened after a complaint was filed against a suspect who used the fact that he worked in the family's home, near the girl's room, to commit his crime. The investigators worked professionally and with sensitivity to bring about the suspect's arrest. Israel Police will do everything possible to ensure justice."