Bomb Explodes in Car in Jerusalem, Critically Injuring Man and His Son

A criminal figure, Itzik Bar Mocha, and his 13-year-old son were seriously injured when a bomb exploded in their vehicle in Jerusalem. Bar Mocha sustained severe limb injuries and is hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, while his son is in moderate to severe condition at the same hospital. The explosion occurred shortly after they left their home and were on their way to school. The son was scheduled to celebrate his bar mitzvah in two days. Police are investigating the possibility that the bomb was remotely detonated and are considering that rivals of Bar Mocha from the central region of Israel may be responsible for the assassination attempt. Investigators believe the timing of the attack, close to the family's celebration, was deliberate. Bar Mocha, who recently moved back to the Jerusalem area after living in Yavne, is expected to be interviewed by Jerusalem District detectives once his condition permits. Police are also expected to request a gag order on details of the investigation.