In a shocking incident that unfolded on Friday morning, a member of a known crime family was killed in a car explosion in Herzliya, sending shockwaves through the quiet coastal city. The blast, which occurred on HaBanim Street, claimed the life of a man in his 40s and left another seriously injured.
According to police reports, the explosion took place around 9:30 AM, prompting a flurry of emergency calls to the 100 hotline. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as first responders rushed to the area, as reported by Kann News.
The victim, whose identity has not been officially released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the deceased was a member of a prominent crime family from Ramla with a history known to law enforcement.
A second victim, a 35-year-old man, suffered severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital. His condition is described as serious but stable.
Tel Aviv District Commander Superintendent Peretz Amar swiftly convened a situation assessment at the Gelilot police station, mobilizing all available resources to investigate the incident. The Yarkon Area Criminal Investigation Division has taken charge of the case, with Chief Superintendent Adi Berkowitz overseeing the operation.
"We are treating this as a targeted attack," Berkowitz stated in a press briefing. "Our teams are meticulously combing the area for evidence and pursuing all leads."
The explosion has reignited concerns about organized crime violence in Israel. This incident follows a string of similar attacks, including a car explosion in Rehovot two weeks ago and a devastating assassination attempt in Ashkelon earlier this month that claimed the life of a young woman and seriously injured a child.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Herzliya are left grappling with the reality of violence erupting in their community. Local authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety, but the streets of Herzliya remain tense, with many wondering what repercussions this brazen act of violence might bring.