Arrests made in celebrity-targeting bombing campaign
The Israel Police arrest two they believe to be part of a larger group who has attempted to bomb Israeli celebrities; one such device is neutralized Friday from under a soccer player's car; the investigation continues.
In addition to preventing the detonation of an explosive device under the car of soccer player Kobi Musa in Ramat Hasharon, Israel Police has revealed it has arrested two suspects, who they also believe as belonging to a group of criminals who have planted bombs intended for other Israeli celebrities. One of these suspects is 61-year-old crime lord Avner Harari, who continues to maintain his innocence.
The second suspect to be arrested was 31-year-old Avishai Ben David.
The explosive intended for Musa was found as part of an investigation into the would-be bombers. Inter alia, they are suspecting of having planted explosives in the car of singer Margalit Tzan'ani and the home of businessman Meir Shamir.
"I've hung up my suit," said Harari following his arrest. "My hands are as clean as silk. You're arresting me for nothing."
An initial statement from the police had announced that it had arrested a 31-year-old man from Rishon LeZion along with 61 year old from Ganei Tikva. Harari's identity was revealed later on Saturday.
Harari and Ben David were brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court for a remand hearing on Friday, where their arrests were extended by seven days. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
Tzan'ani told Ynet that she had heard nothing of the matter of an organized cell before being contacted by the news site on Friday.
The explosive device in Tzan'ani's car detonated on January 10. No one was injured in the event. The singer said at the time that her engine exploded, and she dismissed any implication that it was an attempt to harm her.
On December 20, a device exploded outside of Shamir's house in north Tel Aviv. Nobody was hurt, and no property was damaged. A fortnight later, a device exploded next to Shamir's car, again failing to cause any damage or injuries.
The 65-year-old businessman is the controlling shareholder in the Mivtach Shamir holding company. As of March 2015, it held 20 percent of the shares in the food giant Tnuva, when it was sold to the Chinese company Bright Food.
Kobi Musa, 34, has played for several Israeli soccer clubs and currently is in the National League's Poel Ramat Hasharon.
