Israeli Police Intensify Patrols Amid Wave of Attacks on Japnika Stores and Illegal Arms Trade

Israeli police are increasing both visible and undercover patrols near Japnika chain stores following a series of grenade attacks, shootings, and arson attempts targeting these locations. Nighttime patrols have been intensified around Japnika branches, including in Holon, as authorities seek to identify suspects and prevent further incidents.

On the night between Wednesday and Thursday, a grenade explosion was reported near a residential building in the Kokhav HaTzafon neighborhood of northern Tel Aviv. No injuries or damage occurred. Police from the Tel Aviv North station and bomb disposal units investigated the scene, suspecting a stun grenade was used in a criminal act. Authorities are examining whether the attack was aimed at a Netanya-based criminal linked to the Jarushi family, though the individual is reportedly not currently in Israel.

This incident adds to a recent surge of criminal violence nationwide, including grenade throws, shootings, and arson attempts, many targeting Japnika stores. Concurrently, police uncovered a possible arms supply route to criminals when they arrested a combat soldier from Bat Yam suspected of stealing military weapons and selling them to criminals. Weapons and ammunition, including grenades, were seized from his home, and the investigation has been handed over to the Military Police Investigations Unit.

Police acknowledge that stolen military-grade weapons have entered the criminal market, fueling violence by organized crime groups. This threat was highlighted in a recent Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court hearing involving Yossi Musli, a crime boss recently arrested. Police officer Yiftach Yerum described the conflict between the Musli and Jarushi families as involving powerful groups with extensive operational capabilities, responsible for over ten violent incidents in about a week across Israel.

Authorities are working on two fronts: increasing security around vulnerable targets like Japnika stores and dismantling the networks supplying weapons and explosives. Patrols and undercover operations continue, but police warn that the ongoing wave of attacks may lead to further explosions in the near future.