The Jerusalem police and the Internal Security Service (Shin Bet) revealed that they had foiled a planned terrorist attack targeting in particular the demonstrations of the families of hostages in Tel Aviv. A 22-year-old East Jerusalem resident was arrested on September 17 in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
According to the investigation, the suspect, a sympathizer of Hamas and the Jenin Brigades, planned to acquire weapons and explosives to carry out attacks against civilians and security forces. In particular, he allegedly planned an attack in Tel Aviv during a demonstration by hostage families, “in retaliation for the inhabitants of Gaza and Hamas”.
The suspect reportedly said: “If I had not been arrested, I would have carried out an attack and killed a large number of people.” Even after his arrest, he allegedly persisted in his intention to commit an attack.
The investigation revealed that the suspect had already written a will and created a group on social networks called “Soldiers of God”. He was preparing to take action against the demonstrators but was arrested before he could obtain the necessary weapons.
The police stressed that “over the past year, Jerusalem district police officers, with the help of the Shin Bet and other agencies, have foiled dozens of attacks and planned attacks in the area of Jerusalem, through intelligence and investigative activities, as well as the vigilance, professionalism and rapid response of the Jerusalem District Police and Border Police fighters operating in the different sectors.”
The Jerusalem District Prosecutor’s Office is expected to file the indictment against the suspect in court today (Friday).
