The motzei Shabbos arrest of Ashkelon area crime boss Shalom Domrani was just a small piece of the puzzle the experts explain as Israel Police has declared war on organized crime nationwide. After a serious of car explosions including the attempted murder of a senior Tel Aviv District prosecutor, it appears Israel Police has taken the gloves off.

Joining the battle is newly-elected Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni, who has announced “There is no place for organized crime in the city.” Not wishing to be viewed as one who does not back up statements with actions, the mayor on Tuesday, 9 Kislev 5774, had a restaurant owned by the Domrani crime family destroyed by a bulldozer. The mayor said the restaurant was built illegally on government land and he was unwilling to turn a blind eye to the former status quo. Shimoni vows there are other such buildings on his list, which contained 100 buildings that are illegal and tied to crime families.

Mayor Shimoni feels “hitting them where it hurts, their income” is the most effective way he can combat the crime families in the hope of ousting them from his city.

Police Chief Yochanan Danino stated at a press conference that the time has come for crime bosses to head underground for he is declaring war on all of them.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)