The US Embassy in Israel warned its citizens, noting an increase in violent incidents triggered by rivalry among organized crime gangs in the country. In a statement, the embassy said it was closely monitoring reports of such incidents.
The statement noted that the attacks targeted businesses and residences linked to gangs, particularly in Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Herzliya. It said that grenades and stun grenades were used in these attacks, and that the perpetrators were mostly on motorcycles.
The statement also said that Israeli police had conducted operations to curb criminal activity in response to the rising violence, and had arrested leaders believed to be responsible for the attacks.
The US Embassy advised its citizens to exercise caution in commercial areas of Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Herzliya, especially during evening and night hours, to stay away from areas with heavy police presence or cordoned off, and to follow the instructions of local security forces.
According to reports in the Israeli press, the warning came after a series of grenade attacks on branches of the "Cofix" beverage and snack chain across the country. In recent years, Israel has seen a rise in violent incidents linked to organized crime groups, including armed attacks and extortion, and police have announced they are stepping up operations against these groups, particularly in the north and center of the country.