Multiple Grenade Attacks Target Jafnika Stores Amid Criminal Feud in Central Israel

Since Monday evening, at least seven grenade attacks have targeted businesses and residences across central Israel, including two Jafnika convenience stores. The incidents began in Tel Aviv with two separate explosions, one causing minor injuries. Shortly after, grenade blasts were reported in Herzliya and Ness Ziona, damaging property but causing no injuries. Overnight, Jafnika branches in Afula and Netanya were attacked with grenades, resulting in fires, and this morning a grenade was thrown at a building in Rishon Lezion. Additionally, gunfire was reported at the Herzliya Jafnika store, damaging a window.

Police investigations link the wave of violence to an ongoing feud between the Musli and Jarushi crime families. The Musli family, originating from Tel Aviv neighborhoods, is considered one of Israel's most powerful Jewish crime organizations, led by brothers Yossi and Eli Musli, who are police targets and allegedly involved in digital currency and credit lending crimes.

The initial Tel Aviv attack occurred on Machal Street, where a grenade explosion lightly injured one person. Simultaneously, another grenade detonated on 4586 Street in southern Tel Aviv without injuries. Police and bomb squads responded to all scenes, collecting evidence and confirming the criminal nature of the attacks. In Herzliya, a grenade explosion caused minor property damage, and an unexploded grenade was found nearby earlier. In Ness Ziona, a stolen military grenade was thrown at a residential building on HaTamar Street, causing property damage but no injuries.

The attacks on Jafnika stores have been escalating over recent nights, including attempted arson in Givatayim, a bomb thrown at a Ramat Gan branch, and a grenade attack in Kiryat Ono. No casualties have been reported, but property damage is significant. On the night between Sunday and Monday, a masked man was caught on camera throwing a grenade at a residential building in Or Yehuda before fleeing. Additionally, a grenade exploded in the lobby of a luxury building in northern Tel Aviv near the Mandarin Hotel, causing panic but no injuries.

Police continue to analyze security footage and bomb remnants to identify perpetrators and determine if these attacks are part of a broader gang war. No arrests have been made so far. The investigation is ongoing with efforts to uncover the full scope of the criminal conflict behind these violent acts.