Police arrest man from Bat Yam in connection to Japanika restaurant attacks in central Israel

An 18-year-old from Bat Yam was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of involvement in a grenade attack on a Japanika restaurant branch in Kiryat Ono. This incident was part of a series of attacks targeting the restaurant chain in central Israel.

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The suspect is expected to appear before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Friday, where police will request his detention be extended to facilitate the ongoing investigation into the incidents.

In a single night, police reported two grenade explosions, a pipe bomb attack, and an attempted arson. Three of these incidents specifically targeted branches of the Japanika chain, owned by businessman and Beitar Jerusalem owner Barak Abramov. Police confirmed that the grenades used in the attacks were stolen IDF equipment.

Adding to the investigation, police arrested Yossi Musli, a crime boss suspected of leading a powerful criminal organization. This organization, which reportedly began in southern Tel Aviv and is estimated to be worth over half a billion shekels, is suspected of involvement in illegal gambling, extortion, high-interest loans, and operating casinos abroad. His brother, Shay, is also believed to run a criminal organization in South Africa.

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The thrown grenades were stolen IDF equipment.

The suspect is expected to appear in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Friday, where authorities will seek to extend his detention to continue the investigation into the coordinated attacks.

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Police arrested Musli crime family boss Yossi Musli on Tuesday night in connection with a series of attacks targeting the Japanika restaurant chain, according to Israeli media reports.