Two Northern Israeli Residents Arrested for Planning Terror Attacks Swearing Allegiance to ISIS

In early August, Israeli security forces arrested two northern residents, a 16-year-old minor and a 19-year-old adult, on suspicion of swearing allegiance to the terrorist organization ISIS and planning attacks against Israeli security forces at the Temple Mount and a military base in northern Israel. The arrests were made during a joint operation by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Police's YAMAR unit. The minor was detained on August 4 after investigators discovered he had pledged loyalty to ISIS and was researching instructions online for making explosive belts. He intended to carry out an attack targeting Jewish police officers and soldiers at the Temple Mount.

A few days later, Ibrahim Kaabiya, a 19-year-old resident of Haifa, was arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. He is suspected of also pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning an attack on an IDF base in northern Israel. The Haifa District Prosecutor's Office is set to file indictments and request their continued detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings at the Haifa District Court.

Israeli security officials emphasized the seriousness of any involvement by Israeli citizens in activities threatening national security. This case is part of a broader pattern of radicalization among Israeli youth exposed to ISIS propaganda on social media, with similar plots uncovered recently, including a planned car bombing in Beersheba by a Negev resident. Globally, similar cases have emerged, such as a 15-year-old in Germany who planned a synagogue attack inspired by ISIS.

The Shin Bet and Israeli Police affirmed their commitment to using all available means to prosecute those involved and to prevent terrorist attacks by uncovering terror cells early, before their plans can be executed.