Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., October 10, 2006 Tishrei 18, 5767 | | Israel Time: 20:40 (EST+6)
Haaretz israel news English
Search site 
  Back to Homepage
Print Edition
Diplomacy
Defense Opinion National Arts & Leisure Anglo File Sports Travel  
Magazine Week's End
Q&A
Business Underground Jewish World Real Estate Advertising  
Bookmark to del.icio.us
A police officer standing outside the home of Nahariya Mayor Jackie Sabag after the grenade attack Tuesday. (Jackie Khoury)
Last update - 15:57 10/10/2006
Dichter: There are no magical solutions to organized crime
By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent

Two fragmentation grenades were thrown Tuesday morning at the home of Nahariya Mayor Jackie Sabag, and a third grenade was thrown at the home of a police detective in the northern town.

The grenades were thrown at Sabag's home near the town's boardwalk around 3:30 A.M. The mayor, his wife, and daughter, who were home at the time, were not injured, although the explosions did damage the house's windows and yard.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter came to Nahariya after the explosions to review the scene, along with top officials of the northern police district.

Advertisement

Dichter said police "do not have magical solutions" in its battle with organized crime, but they do have "abilities" which they will put to use. When asked if there is concern that organized crime will return to Nahariya, Dichter replied that the organized crime never left the city, even though there was a "decline in the last two years."

Haaretz has learned that the police are focusing on the possibility that the attacks are related to the competition for upcoming municipal contracts, which are to be awarded to private manpower agencies as well as security and construction companies.

There have been prior similar incidents in Nahariya of grenade attacks and threats against city council members during competitions for municipal contracts.

A spokesman for the mayor said Sabag is confident police will fully investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, and has no intention of being interviewed on the matter at this stage in order not to hinder the investigation.

Nonetheless, the spokesman said that "such criminal acts will not scare the mayor nor will they force him into taking steps that are against the law."

Northern District police commander Major General Dan Ronen said police are holding consultations among senior officers in the area to determine how to proceed in the investigation.

Ronen told Haaretz police are treating the two incidents as related, both due to the timing and the similar methods used in both attacks.

"[This is] a grave incident that is being taken extremely seriously by police," Ronen said.

According to Ronen, the investigation will be handled by a special team from the Northern District headed by Commander Menachem Hever.

"We are aware that criminal elements unfortunately have easy access to weapons," said Ronen. "We do not intend to allow Nahariya to return to the days in which grenades were thrown on a regular basis throughout the city."

Ronen added that, following the consultations, a decision will be made regarding whether to provide Sabag with bodyguards.

Seven months ago a grenade was thrown into a bar in Nahariya, seriously wounding one man. That attack was believed to be related to a struggle for control over illegal casinos.

Roughly two years ago, several prominent Nahariya public figures were targeted in grenade attacks believed to be related to power struggles between both manpower agencies and private security companies.

Bookmark to del.icio.us
Heads must roll
If a leader does not take responsibility, he must be forced to do so.
Fit for the new year
How to stay on your fitness regimen after the holiday resolution wears off.
  1.   STOP THE JEWISH MAFIA! 16:27  |  Iskander 10/10/06
  2.   The "abilities" of the police 16:56  |  Aharon 10/10/06
  3.   no magical solutions to organized crime? 20:28  |  yahn goodey 10/10/06
 Today Online
Nehemiah Shtrasler: Say yes to Syria
Responses: 82
Tom Segev: The true Olmert, making nice to Lieberman
Responses: 44
Doctors arrested for illegal human experimentation
Responses: 97
Israel worried N. Korea will pass nuke know-how to Iran
Responses: 147
French diplomats nix N.Y. book launch over author's Israel views
Responses: 168
Rosner's Domain
* Renaissance in American Jewish life? Charendoff doesn't see it
* New poll: How will the N. Korea crisis affect Iran?
* Can a Palestinian Muslim and a Zionist Jew be friends?
* Romney emerging as favorite of conservatives who don't want McCain


More Headlines
20:37 Lebanese army confiscates weapons from Hezbollah in south
20:13 Egypt: Internal feud in PA ruining chance for peace
18:13 IDF troops thwart attempted terror attack at West Bank checkpoint
18:44 China: North Korea must face 'punitive actions' for nuke test
17:58 Ex-Indian Defense Min. probed over missile deal with Israel
20:40 Court: Freelance journalists don't have copywrite over material
17:22 Shas Minister Yishai: Lieberman is a desirable coalition partner
19:30 Israeli national among six charged with spying in Nigeria
19:13 High Court: State must plan for flooding of Dead Sea hotels
19:21 U.S. Supreme Court turns down case of former Nazi slave camp guard
17:11 Brother suspected of wounding sister in 'family honor' attack
Previous Editions
Special Offers
Advertisement
Nahal Haredi
Defending Israel's homeland. Help support our troops
EZER MIZION
Help those that need it most!
JOIN FREE AT JDate.com
The most popular online Jewish dating community in the world! Explore the possibilities! Click Here!
LEUMI
During your visit in Israel Bank Only With the Leader
ISRAEL-SHOPS ONLINE STORE
Gifts from Israel + FREE ISRAELI FLAG ON EVERY PURCHASE OVER $50
Isrotel Chain
Eleven quality hotels in Israel's best locations
Learn Hebrew Online
Learn Hebrew from the best teachers in Israel live over the Internet
One year MBA in Israel
Taught entirely in English
FREE REGISTRATION at JLove.com
Join The Fastest Growing Jewish Singles Community Now! Click Here!
HAARETZ SMS
Register Now to receive your daily news by SMS
Home| Print Edition| Diplomacy| Opinion| Arts & Leisure| Sports| Jewish World| Underground| Site rules|
© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved