Crime Families Clash in Central Israel Amid Surge in Grenade Attacks

Israeli police have reported a significant rise in grenade attacks in Tel Aviv and central Israel, linked to an ongoing feud between rival crime families. Over the past week, at least 13 grenades were thrown at businesses and residences, including four branches of the Japanika restaurant chain owned by businessman Barak Abramov. Authorities are investigating whether the choice of targets, particularly Abramov's businesses, is deliberate.

Since Monday evening, seven grenade attacks occurred across multiple locations. Initial incidents in Tel Aviv resulted in one person lightly injured. Subsequent explosions took place in Herzliya and Ness Ziona, causing property damage but no injuries. Later, grenades were thrown at Japanika branches in Afula and Netanya, and another attack targeted a business in Rishon Lezion on Tuesday morning. No arrests have been made so far.

Barak Abramov was previously associated with the Musli brothers but has recently aligned with the Jarushi family amid shifting power dynamics. The Musli family, originating from Tel Aviv neighborhoods Hatikva and Kfar Shalem, is one of Israel's oldest and most powerful crime organizations, led by brothers Yossi and Eli Musli, who are key targets for law enforcement. Their suspected criminal activities include involvement in digital currencies, credit lending, and other offenses. Japanika recently entered a partnership with Leumi Partners, increasing public attention on the repeated attacks against its outlets.