Israel Claims Foiling Jerusalem-Based Cell Planning Attacks

Israeli security forces announced on Tuesday the dismantling of what they described as a "wide military structure" that planned attacks against Israelis and security personnel. Over 30 Palestinians from Jerusalem and the West Bank were arrested, with five facing indictments.

According to a joint statement from the Shin Bet, police, and the IDF, the five indicted individuals are all Jerusalem residents: Sabiḥ Abu Sabiḥ, Rashid Rashq, Muḥammad Abu Sabiḥ, Muḥammad Azmi Bakri, and Aḥmad Azmi Bakri. Israeli authorities claim Sabiḥ Abu Sabiḥ and Rashid Rashq are active in a group called "Youth of Al-Aqsa," which they allege is linked to Hamas. The other three are said to have been part of the same cell.

Israeli officials stated that Sabiḥ Abu Sabiḥ is the son of Misbah Abu Sabiḥ, who carried out an attack in October 2016 that killed two Israelis. Rashq was reportedly released in January 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange deal. The Israeli narrative asserts that Rashq and Sabiḥ Abu Sabiḥ established a "wide structure" and recruited cells across the West Bank to carry out attacks.

Security forces claimed to have seized weapons intended for operations, along with other combat equipment. The investigation suggests Aḥmad Azmi Bakri and Rashid Rashq planned an attack targeting a restaurant in Modi'in where Aḥmad worked. Muḥammad Bakri allegedly instructed Rashq and Muḥammad Abu Sabiḥ on making explosives. Rashq and Sabiḥ Abu Sabiḥ also allegedly planned a shooting attack against Israeli forces at the Al-Eizariya checkpoint.

Indictments allege that some planned operations, including one at the Modi'in restaurant and the Al-Eizariya checkpoint, were set for early 2027, with weapons purchased for these purposes. Charges against the five include managing a "terrorist" organization, active membership, planning and preparing for murder, weapons offenses, and recruitment.

The prosecution requested the five remain in custody until their legal proceedings conclude. Investigations into other detainees are ongoing, with indictments expected for other Palestinians from the West Bank allegedly linked to the cell. Israeli authorities vowed to continue pursuing what they describe as Hamas and other Palestinian factions' attempts to carry out attacks.