Investigators from the Zion unit of the Jerusalem District Police have in recent days completed a sensitive and complex probe into Yeshua Attiya, a 60-year-old Jerusalem resident, suspected of committing serious sexual offenses against four minors over an extended period.
Attiya was arrested on March 9, 2026, at Ben Gurion Airport upon landing in Israel, after allegedly staying abroad while avoiding legal proceedings. During the investigation, police collected testimonies and evidence indicating suspected sexual offenses, including sodomy and indecent acts, committed against vulnerable minors over several years.
How was the investigation against Yeshua Attiya in Jerusalem conducted?
According to police, the case involved prolonged investigative work, including gathering sensitive testimonies and coordinating with international authorities due to the suspect’s time outside Israel.
Attiya’s detention was extended multiple times by the court to allow investigators to complete evidence collection and build a solid case ahead of prosecution.
What does a prosecutor’s statement mean in this Jerusalem case?
With the evidence phase completed, a prosecutor’s statement was filed yesterday by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office, indicating that an indictment is expected in the coming days.
The suspect’s detention has been extended until Friday. Police stress that this marks a significant step toward holding the suspect accountable. Staff Sgt. Shlomtzion Marks, an investigator with the Zion unit, notes: “This is an exceptionally sensitive investigation, given the severity of the suspected offenses against vulnerable minors over time. One of the key challenges was that the suspect had been outside Israel. We acted decisively and through multiple channels, maintaining ongoing contact with relevant international authorities, to ensure his immediate arrest upon landing and prevent further evasion of justice. Filing the prosecutor’s statement today is a meaningful step in protecting the victims and bringing the suspect to justice.”
