Five East Jerusalem Residents Charged with Planning Terror Attacks

Five residents of East Jerusalem have been indicted on serious terrorism charges for allegedly establishing a terror organization and planning attacks against Israelis and security forces. The indictment details plans to carry out attacks, including at a restaurant in Modi'in and at the Azariya checkpoint.

The alleged ringleaders, Rashid Rashk and Mahmoud Abu Zbeih, reportedly formed the organization early this year, recruiting members, acquiring weapons, and securing safe houses. Their plan included establishing cells in northern and southern Judea and Samaria, preparing for a "day of command" in early 2027 to launch terror and murder attacks.

Rashk is accused of recruiting Ahmed Bakri, an employee at the Modi'in restaurant, and instructing him to remain in his job to facilitate an attack there. Rashk allegedly promised to supply Bakri with a weapon and training. The indictment also states that Rashk and Abu Zbeih planned a shooting attack against security forces at the Azariya checkpoint, for which Rashk purchased a handgun, an M-16 rifle, and ammunition.

Mahmoud Abu Zbeih, another recruit, is accused of holding funds for the organization, assisting in hiding equipment, and finding a safe house for weapons. The prosecution stated the charges include managing and being an active member of a terror organization, conspiracy and preparation for murder, weapons offenses, and recruitment.

Advocate Eyal Lidani from the Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office highlighted the severity of the plan, particularly the request for a defendant to remain employed at the restaurant specifically to carry out an attack, leveraging his familiarity with the location.