Israeli Police Arrest Crime Boss Yossi Mosli Amid Wave of Attacks on Japnika Chain

Israeli police have arrested Yossi Mosli, head of a crime organization, at his home in Tel Aviv as part of an ongoing investigation into a recent surge of grenade attacks, arson, and shootings targeting the Japnika chain and other locations in central and northern Israel. The arrest was carried out by detectives from the Tel Aviv Central Unit and followed a series of violent incidents linked to a feud between the Mosli and Jarushi crime families.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended Mosli's detention by five days. Judge Shelly Kotin ruled that there is sufficient evidence to justify continued detention, citing concerns about public danger and potential obstruction of justice. However, she warned that if the police fail to produce stronger evidence or investigative actions, further detention extensions would not be warranted.

During the court hearing, Mosli denied involvement, stating that police had warned him days before his arrest about suspicions of organizing grenade attacks and threatened administrative measures if he did not calm the situation. His lawyer, Doron Noy, criticized the police for not conducting operational actions earlier despite having prior intelligence, arguing the arrest was driven by public pressure rather than solid evidence.

The investigation also involves testimony from Barak Abramov, owner of the Japnika chain, who said he has no personal enemies and does not understand the motive behind the attacks on his businesses. Sources indicate Abramov was once close to the Mosli family but is now associated with the rival Jarushi family, a shift police are examining as a possible motive. Due to the attacks, a planned business deal involving the sale of 20% of the Landora group and a Japnika stock market listing has been postponed.

Police expect the investigation to expand, with additional arrests of Mosli family members anticipated in the coming days. The recent wave of violence has affected about nine Japnika branches, involving grenade throws, shootings, and arson attacks.

Summary: Israeli police arrested crime boss Yossi Mosli amid a wave of grenade and arson attacks targeting the Japnika chain, linked to a feud between Mosli and Jarushi families. Mosli's detention was extended, but police face criticism over insufficient evidence. The investigation is ongoing with more arrests expected.