Full Breakdown
Japanika Sushi Chain Caught in Escalating Crime-Family Feud
7/15/2026, 11:21:30 AM
Violent Wave Targets Japanika Outlets
Over the night of Monday July 12 through Tuesday July 13 2026, a series of grenade, pipe-bomb and shooting attacks struck multiple Japanika restaurants across Israel. Explosives were thrown at branches in Rosh Pina, Afula, Netanya, Herzliya, Kiryat Ono, Ramat Gan and other cities. None of the incidents caused fatalities, but several locations caught fire and property damage was reported. Police linked the attacks to an ongoing dispute between rival organized-crime groups.
Roots of the Conflict
Investigators say the violence is part of a power struggle between the Mosli crime family—originating in Tel Aviv’s Hatikva and Kfar Shalem neighborhoods—and the Arab-led Jarushi family, which operates in central Israel. The feud intensified after businessman Barak Abramov, owner of the Japanika chain and Beitar Jerusalem soccer club, shifted his perceived allegiance from the Mosli organization to the Jarushi side following a robbery at his home. Law-enforcement officials stress that Abramov is not personally involved in the feud, but his restaurants have become proxy targets.
Principal Actors
- Barak Abramov – Owner of the Japanika sushi chain (44 branches) and the Landora Group, also proprietor of Beitar Jerusalem FC.
- Yossi Mosli – Head of the Mosli crime family, arrested on Tuesday July 13 in connection with the attacks.
- Mosli family – One of Israel’s most powerful Jewish crime families.
- Jarushi family – Arab-led organized-crime group implicated in the retaliation against Mosli-linked interests.
Chronology of Attacks
- Mon Jul 12, ?10 p.m. – Fire at Japanika, Netanya, after a stolen military-grade explosive device was thrown.
- Tue Jul 13, 02:44 a.m. – Grenade thrown at Japanika, Afula industrial zone.
- Tue Jul 13, early morning – Gunfire at Japanika, Herzliya; grenade attacks in Rishon LeZion, Tel Aviv and Ness Ziona.
- Tue Jul 13, morning – Grenade hurled at Japanika, Rosh Pina; police arrest Yossi Mosli and three additional suspects.
- Tue Jul 13, later – Fragmentation grenades thrown at residential buildings in Tel Aviv (light injury) and Rishon LeZion.
Scale of the Assault
Police have documented roughly 13–15 grenade explosions across the country in the past week, with at least four Japanika branches directly hit. One person sustained a minor wound in south Tel Aviv; all other incidents resulted only in property damage.
Police Findings and Legal Actions
Police statements describe the devices as “stolen military explosive” and “fragmentation grenades” likely taken from the Israel Defense Forces. Investigators have opened forensic examinations at each scene and linked the attacks to the Mosli-Jarushi dispute. On July 13, a suspect in his 40s from Tel Aviv was detained and scheduled for a remand hearing before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Dissenting Views
An underworld source warned, “It’s enough to say good morning to someone, and the other side will throw a grenade at your home,” suggesting the violence could escalate to assassinations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of grenades used: some cite 13 explosions, while others reference “around 15” over the week. The exact chain of command within the Jarushi family remains unclear, and no official motive has been confirmed beyond the alleged feud.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A preliminary investigation indicates that a stolen military explosive device was apparently thrown at the location,” — Police statement
- “It’s enough to say good morning to someone, and the other side will throw a grenade at your home,” — Underworld source, Channel 12 news
- “Law enforcement officials stress that Abramov himself is not believed to be personally involved in the feud, but that his businesses have become targets because of his perceived association with the rival crime family.” — Police briefing
- “The Mosli family, which emerged from Tel Aviv’s Hatikva neighborhood and Kfar Shalem, is regarded as one of Israel’s most powerful criminal organizations.” — Ynet report
- “The incident appears to be criminal in nature and linked to an ongoing dispute between organized crime groups.” — Police statement
What’s Next
The detained suspect is to appear before the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday July 15 2026, and police have indicated additional arrests are expected as the investigation proceeds.
