Suspect Arrested for Grenade Attack on Or Yehuda Restaurant

Police have arrested a 33-year-old suspect from Jaffa in connection with a grenade attack on a restaurant in Or Yehuda on May 26. The suspect allegedly arrived on a scooter, threw a fragmentation grenade at the restaurant in the Neve Rabin neighborhood, and fled the scene. The explosion injured five civilians inside the active restaurant.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation and initially arrested several individuals, with indictments filed against some for involvement in violent incidents and the use of weapons. However, the primary suspect, believed to be part of a gang involved in the case, remained at large for several months before his recent apprehension. A statement of intent to indict has been filed against him, and prosecutors are expected to file charges in the coming days.

The attack in Or Yehuda is part of a broader trend of violent incidents involving weapons targeting businesses in the central region. In July, a series of attacks, including grenade and pipe bomb throws, occurred against Japannica restaurant branches in Kiryat Ono, Ramat Gan, and Givatayim, alongside a separate grenade explosion in an Or Yehuda residential building lobby. While police investigated potential links, no connection was established to the current Or Yehuda case.

Or Yehuda has experienced similar incidents previously, including a stun grenade thrown at the home of Mayor Liאת Shochat in January 2021, which caused no injuries or damage. At the time, Shochat described the incident as serious and crossing a red line.