Jerusalem police allege three right-wing activists arrested Sunday morning were planning on committing a “Price Tag” action – a nationalistically motivated crime, usually involving vandalism or assault against Arab property.
The three youths – ages 16, 17, and 18 – are residents of Jerusalem and Samaria, police say.
Police arrested the suspects early Sunday morning near Bar Lev Boulevard in the capital. The three were carrying spikes, paint, and face-coverings at the time of their arrest.
After their arrest, the three suspects were taken in for interrogation. The two younger suspects were then freed to house arrest, while the 18-year old’s arrest was extended. Prosecutors have filed a pre-indictment for the 18-year old suspect.
According to a police spokesperson, the alleged “Price Tag” attempt highlights an ongoing trend in nationalistically motivated crimes, which have been occurring more often in Jerusalem than in Judea and Samaria.
“There is a shift in right-wing activities, with an attempt to move from Judea and Samaria into neighborhoods in Jerusalem,” the spokesperson said.