The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert on Wednesday warning American citizens in Israel about rising violence tied to organized crime, with incidents concentrated in Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Herzliya.
The alert detailed recent attacks involving hand grenades or stun grenades hurled at homes, vehicles and businesses, often by assailants on motorcycles. The embassy urged residents to "Stay alert, especially in commercial areas during evening and overnight hours" And to "Avoid locations with police activity and follow instructions from local authorities."
The warning followed a series of grenade and shooting attacks across central Israel. Multiple branches of the Japanika sushi chain were targeted, and two residential buildings in the region were also hit with grenades this week. Israeli police have increased patrols near restaurant locations as the investigation continues.
Authorities believe the violence stems from an escalating conflict between the Jarushi and Musli organized crime families. Yossi Musli, described by Israeli authorities as a senior member of the Musli crime organization, was arrested in connection with the attacks and subsequently released to house arrest, along with three other suspects.