Suspect arrested for allegedly vandalizing Basimta cafe during protests against its Shabbat opening

A 75-year-old suspect was arrested by Israel Police on Tuesday for allegedly vandalizing the Basimta cafe in Jerusalem. The arrest follows seven weeks of protests by haredi (ultra-Orthodox) individuals against the cafe's operation on Shabbat, accompanied by counter-protests supporting the business. The suspect is accused of graffitiing the cafe, throwing garbage, and damaging its lock, and has been barred by the court from approaching the establishment. Protests began on July 4, with dozens of haredi demonstrators reportedly surrounding the cafe, banging on windows, and overturning tables. It was also revealed last month that Basimta cafe is a project of Jews for Jesus, a Messianic Jewish organization.