A suspected criminal assassination attempt in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning left a well-known figure from the Israeli underworld and his 13-year-old son seriously injured after an explosive device detonated inside or near their vehicle.

The blast occurred shortly after 8:15 a.m. on Meir Feinstein Street in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood as Itzik Bar Mocha was reportedly driving his son to school. Police identified the incident as a suspected targeted attack and assigned the Jerusalem District Central Unit to lead the investigation.

🚨🇮🇱 Car explodes in Jerusalem

Hebrew media report that two people were injured in a car explosion on Meir Feinstein Street. Authorities are treating the incident as criminal. https://t.co/sy2XwGdscx

— The Daily Brief News (@TDBNEWS1) October 6, 2026

Bar Mocha, 58, has long been associated with the former “Jerusalem Gang” and has been involved in a number of major criminal cases and disputes within Israel’s organized-crime world. He previously served a lengthy prison sentence and in recent years was involved in conflicts with other prominent criminal figures.

Magen David Adom teams arriving at the scene found the vehicle on fire, with debris scattered nearby. Both victims were conscious and suffering from burns and traumatic injuries before being transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem for treatment. The boy was initially reported in moderate condition, while later reports said both father and son were in serious condition.

Video from the scene showed Bar Mocha on the roadway near the burning vehicle, calling for assistance while his injured son was nearby.

Police investigators and bomb-disposal experts secured the area and began collecting evidence to determine how the explosive was placed and who was behind the attack. Investigators are treating the incident as criminally motivated, rather than terrorism, according to initial reports.

A sweeping gag order issued by the Jerusalem Magistrates’ Court prohibits publication of details from the investigation or information that could identify potential suspects. The order is currently in effect through October 12.

The police said Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Avshalom Peled arrived at the scene and ordered the Central Unit to take charge of the investigation and pursue those responsible.

Besuros Tovos!