(Communicated by the ISA)
The following has been cleared for publication:
The Israel Security Agency (ISA), in conjunction with the Israel Police, has, in January-February 2018, arrested the following three Israeli Arab residents of Um al-Fahm, some of whom support the Islamic State terrorist organization, on suspicion of planning a shooting attack on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem:
- Muhammad Masoud Jabarin, 20;
- Amad Lutfy Jabarin, 20; and
- a minor (at the time the offenses were committed)
Muhammad Jabarin (ISA)
The ISA investigation shows that the three planned to carry out a shooting attack at the Al Aqsa Mosque similar to the 14 July 2017 attack in which two Israel Police officers – Kamil Shanan and Hail Stawi – were murdered.
The attack was thwarted thanks to precise intelligence information that led to the timely arrest of the cell members even before they managed to procure weapons.
It was also learned that some cell members also considered attacking sacred buildings (synagogues and churches) and security forces, carrying out vehicular attacks, and carrying out attacks over the Christmas holiday.
The ISA investigation revealed that two cell members support the murderous ideology of the Islamic State terrorist organization and sought to perpetrate attacks in the context of this support.
The ISA views Israelis that support Islamic State as a grave threat especially those who are in contact with the organization and operate on its behalf inside the State of Israel.
The ISA will continue to monitor suspects and take the necessary enforcement measures to thwart both the spread of Islamic State ideology in Israel and the carrying out of any actions whatsoever that harm the security of the state.