Israeli Police Investigate Wave of Grenade Attacks Amid Crime Family Feud in Central Israel

In recent weeks, central Israel has witnessed a surge in violent incidents including grenade throws, shootings, and arson attacks. The police attribute much of this violence to an ongoing feud between the Mosli and Jarushi crime families. The Tel Aviv District Police are consolidating investigations into 16 related cases involving grenades, gunfire, and fires.

During a hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, police officer Yiftach Yerum described the involved parties as "two groups with resources, power, and capability," and noted that investigators are on high alert due to escalating tensions. Several arrests have been made, including that of Yossi Mosli on July 14, who was later released to house arrest along with other suspects. Currently, three suspects remain in custody, including Fadi Abu Saif, accused of throwing a grenade at the Blue Tower in northern Tel Aviv. Fingerprints linked him to the motorcycle used in the attack, though he denies involvement and claims to have been at a café during the incident.

Another suspect is held in connection with a grenade attack on a Japnika chain branch in Kiryat Ono, with investigators finding his fingerprints on grenade fragments. The police continue to examine evidence such as security footage and phone data to verify alibis.

Legal experts emphasize that sentencing for grenade throwing varies widely depending on circumstances such as the grenade type, location, whether it exploded, and if injuries occurred. Criminal defense lawyer Chen Palchi explained that minor details often determine whether a sentence is one year or up to five years in prison. Past rulings include a 12-month sentence for a grenade and shooting attack motivated by financial gain, and a 48-month sentence upheld by the Supreme Court for a grenade attack aimed at intimidating a police officer. A recent Tel Aviv District Court case resulted in a 50-month sentence for throwing a fragmentation grenade near a residential building and active kindergarten.

Additional charges often accompany grenade-related offenses, including weapons violations, conspiracy, extortion, and property damage, which can increase penalties. Meanwhile, local residents express fear and insecurity, with some avoiding going out at night due to the violence. Businessman Barak Abramov, not a suspect, testified that police requested security details for Japnika branches following the attacks.

The investigation is ongoing, with police working to connect all incidents. Only after the inquiry concludes and the prosecution decides on indictments will it be clear whether convictions and prison sentences will follow.