Crime Figure and Son Injured in Jerusalem Car Bombing

A powerful explosive device detonated in a vehicle in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem on Tuesday morning, critically injuring a known criminal figure, Itzik Bar Moche, and moderately injuring his 13-year-old son. Bar Moche, described as a prominent figure with past ties to the "Jerusalem Gang," sustained severe injuries, while his son suffered multiple system injuries. Both were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital.

Emergency medical teams arriving at the scene found a burning car and scattered debris. Paramedics provided initial treatment for burns and trauma before transporting the father and son to the hospital. Police forces secured the area, collected forensic evidence, and launched an investigation into the incident.

The initial assessment strongly suggests a criminal motive, with the primary suspicion being that a bomb was placed under the vehicle and detonated remotely or via a timer. Police noted the rarity and severity of such a car bombing in Jerusalem, which has not occurred in the city for many years.

Bar Moche, around 50 years old, has a long history in organized crime in Jerusalem. He previously served over 13 years in prison for managing illegal gambling rings and extortion. He has faced further charges related to operating criminal networks from prison and was arrested in 2016 on suspicion of using a vegetable wholesale business for money laundering and extortion, which he denied.

In 2017, he was arrested again with associates on suspicion of plotting to assassinate a rival criminal, an act thwarted by police. The current attack, which injured his minor son, highlights the recklessness of ongoing criminal warfare and underscores the urgency for police to solve the case.