Jerusalem, 4 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Jerusalem police arrested crime boss Eitan Hayya, in his 70s, on Wednesday while he was sitting in a car caught in a major traffic jam in Tel Aviv.
Hayya was detained with another suspect wanted in connection with a separate murder investigation.
Detectives from the Jerusalem District’s central investigations unit arrested Hayya on suspicion of involvement in a violent assault against a well-known Jerusalem criminal figure who was injured in the incident. Investigators suspect the attack was connected to an ongoing feud between underworld figures.
Hayya was recently released from prison after serving a lengthy sentence. During the hearing at Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, Hayya alleged that police officers beat him during his arrest and complained of pain in his ribs.
The second suspect allegedly resisted and assaulted officers, prompting police to use force to subdue him.
Both suspects were due to appear before Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
