Terror Cell Planning Attacks on Israelis, Security Forces Dismantled

Israel's State Prosecutor's Office has filed indictments against five individuals from Jerusalem and Kafr Aqab for their involvement in a terror infrastructure that planned attacks against Israelis and security forces. The indictment, filed Tuesday in the Jerusalem District Court, details charges including managing a terror organization, active membership, conspiracy and preparation for murder, weapons offenses, and recruiting members.

The prosecution is seeking the pre-trial detention of the accused. According to the indictment, Rashid Rashak and Sabih Abu Sbeih established a terror organization early this year, recruiting members, acquiring weapons, collecting funds, and securing hideouts. They planned to establish cells in northern and southern Judea and Samaria and prepare for a "command day" in early 2027 to carry out attacks and murders.

Rashak, who was released in January 2025 as part of a hostage deal, had acquired a pistol and an M-16 rifle, ammunition, and other equipment. Sabih Abu Sbeih is the son of Masbah Abu Sbeih, who carried out a deadly attack in October 2016 that killed two Israeli civilians.

Mohammad Abu Sbeih, recruited into the organization, managed funds for its activities and helped hide weapons. Mohammad Bakri allegedly instructed Rashak and Mohammad Abu Sbeih on bomb-making. Rashak also recruited Ahmad Bakri, an employee at a restaurant in Modi'in, urging him to carry out an attack there and providing him with weapons and training. Rashak and Sabih Abu Sbeih also planned a shooting attack against security forces at the Azaria checkpoint.

The arrests of these individuals and others involved have thwarted the organization's activities and its plans for attacks. Prosecutor Eyal Lidani stated that the organization had acquired weapons, recruited operatives, and prepared to carry out attacks against civilians and security forces, highlighting the disturbing request for one defendant to remain at his restaurant job specifically to carry out an attack there.