In a joint statement from the police spokesperson and the Shin Bet, it was revealed that the 22-year-old resident of East Jerusalem planned to carry out a terror attack during the protest of the hostage families in Tel Aviv. The suspect, who was arrested before he could execute his plans, declared, “If I hadn’t been arrested, I would have committed an attack and killed a large number of people.” The plot was foiled thanks to a joint operation by the Central Unit of the Jerusalem District Police and the Shin Bet.
The joint investigation by the police and the Shin Bet revealed that the suspect, a resident of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, had planned to purchase explosive devices and weapons to carry out several attacks across the country. His targets included civilians, security forces, and particularly participants in the hostage families’ protest in Tel Aviv.
The suspect, identified as a supporter of the terror organizations Jenin Brigades and Hamas, sought to avenge the residents of Gaza and the Hamas organization. He had even written a will and created a social media group called “Soldiers of God” as part of his preparations for the attack.
The suspect was arrested yesterday (Thursday) by detectives from the Jerusalem Central Unit, assisted by Border Police officers, following intelligence information. The investigation revealed that the suspect had also planned shooting attacks against IDF soldiers and bombings on the Tel Aviv train.
At the end of the investigation, the Jerusalem District Prosecutor’s Office is expected to file an indictment against the suspect. The police and the Shin Bet emphasize that they will continue to work in cooperation with other security forces to thwart terrorist activities and arrest terrorists, with the aim of protecting Israeli citizens.
In the past year, dozens of attacks and attempted attacks in the Jerusalem area have been foiled, thanks to extensive intelligence and investigative efforts, as well as the vigilance and professionalism of the security forces operating in the field.
