In an unusual move on Wednesday, the US embassy in Jerusalem issued a warning to US citizens in Israel to remain cautious amid a recent uptick in organized crime incidents.

In a statement, the embassy said it was “closely monitoring reports of a spike in violence connected to rivalries between Israeli organized crime groups.”

It noted that the attacks appeared to be “targeting businesses and homes associated with the groups involved,” primarily in Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Herzliya.

The embassy called on US citizens to “stay alert, especially in commercial areas during evenings and overnight hours” and to “avoid locations with police activity and follow instructions from local authorities.”

The US embassy’s warning came in the wake of an escalating conflict between two influential crime gangs in Israel — the Jarushi and Musli families.

The feud sparked a series of grenade and shooting attacks across Israel earlier this month, including at several branches of the Japanika sushi chain and the homes of various figures connected to the feuding crime families.

The sushi chain, which has over 40 locations across Israel, is owned by Barak Abramov, who also owns the Beitar Jerusalem soccer........

© The Times of Israel