Two young men were indicted today for planning an ISIS-inspired attack on the Temple Mount. The Times of Israel reports that the younger suspect was arrested earlier this month, while the older suspect was apprehended several days later. They were identified as residents of the Galilee and Haifa.
The first suspect, a 16-year-old resident of the Galilee, was arrested on August 4.
An investigation revealed that he was searching online for instructions on how to prepare explosive belts, and that he “intended to carry out an attack against police officers and Jewish soldiers on the Temple Mount,” the statement alleged.
Several days later, as the investigation progressed, another suspect was arrested. He was identified as Ibrahim Kaabia, 19, a resident of Haifa.
Kaabia also allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to attack an army base in northern Israel, police said.
Prosecutors plan to file indictments against both suspects. Kaabia’s attorney has denied that he was planning such an attack and said that his family was shocked by the allegations.
In the past two years, dozens of Arab Israelis have been arrested for plotting attacks on behalf of ISIS, which maintains a presence in parts of Iraq and Syria and regularly calls on its supporters to harm Israel and her people. Earlier this month, a 20-year-old from Segev Shalom was arrested for planning a car-bomb attack on a nightclub in Beersheba.
While police and Shin Bet remain vigilant against terror within Israel’s borders, IDF operations in Gaza continue against Hamas—especially as the Israeli military still pursues terrorists responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack. Terror cells have also been targeted in the West Bank.
We pray for the safety and protection of the people of Israel, as Israel’s struggle for peace and security continues.