US embassy urges caution among American citizens in Israel amid uptick in organized crime

The US embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning to American citizens in Israel on Wednesday due to a recent increase in organized crime incidents. The embassy is "closely monitoring reports of a spike in violence connected to rivalries between Israeli organized crime groups," primarily targeting businesses and homes in Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Herzliya. This warning follows an escalating conflict between the Jarushi and Musli crime families, which has led to grenade and shooting attacks, including at Japanika sushi chain branches owned by Barak Abramov, who is reportedly tied to the Jarushi family. Police have made several arrests, and some attacks reportedly involved grenades stolen from the IDF. The embassy advised citizens to "stay alert, especially in commercial areas during evenings and overnight hours."