Police Leave Post Before Grenade Attack on Jafnika Branch in Northern Israel

An internal investigation by the Northern District Police revealed that a police patrol stationed near a Jafnika branch in Rosh Pina left the scene about an hour before a grenade was thrown at the location. The patrol was part of a proactive ambush set up due to escalating violence between the Mosli and Jarushi crime organizations, which had targeted Jafnika branches. The police initially claimed the officers left because they were tired, but later clarified they ended their shift early without sending a replacement team. Following the officers' departure, the grenade attack occurred, causing damage to the store.

Despite the investigation's findings, Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi only summoned officers for a briefing and did not impose significant disciplinary measures. A senior Northern District official criticized this response, warning that the message sent to commanders is that it is acceptable to end police ambushes at threatened sites without accountability, even if serious incidents follow. The official emphasized the risk to civilians and called the lack of consequences a problematic precedent.

Days before the attack, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir contacted Commissioner Levi, demanding increased security around Jafnika branches amid rising violence. Jafnika is owned by businessman Barak Abramov, who also owns the Beitar Jerusalem football club, which Ben-Gvir supports. Some in the police view the minister's direct intervention as an unusual involvement in operational matters. Ben-Gvir's office stated the minister is accessible to all citizens and committed to assisting anyone in need.

The police responded that they conduct extensive crime-fighting operations and do not disclose operational details or internal investigations. They denied that officers left due to fatigue, calling some published details inaccurate and emphasizing that the information is the responsibility of the media outlet.

The grenade attack and the police withdrawal highlight tensions between law enforcement, political figures, and crime groups in northern Israel, raising questions about operational protocols and accountability in protecting vulnerable sites.