Two injured after former mayor's car exploded on Ayalon highway

The police suspect that the explosion was caused by an explosive device that was planted in the car that was in motion near the La Guardia interchange.

 A car exploded on the Ayalon highway near the La Guardia interchange March 9, 2025, (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)
A car exploded on the Ayalon highway near the La Guardia interchange March 9, 2025,
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

Former mayor of Bat Yam, Shlomi Lahiani, was one of the injured in the car explosion on the Ayalon highway on Sunday, Israeli media reported.

The police suspect that the explosion was caused by an explosive device that was planted in the car that was in motion near the La Guardia interchange.

Lahiani and one other injured person were treated at the scene for minor injuries and were transferred to the Wolfson Medical Center.

The head of the Ayalon District, Commander Daniel Hadad, conducted a situation assessment at the scene and assigned the investigation to the Ayalon District's Crime-Fighting Unit. The police also believe that the motive was likely criminal.

A former Israeli Mayor's car exploded on Ayalon highway.

Highway closed to traffic

Highway 20 is currently closed to traffic and the police are redirecting the traffic to Highway 1.