Shin Bet Thwarts Major Terror Plot Targeting Israelis

Israel's internal security agency, Shin Bet, in cooperation with the police and the IDF, has dismantled a significant terrorist network responsible for planning large-scale attacks across Israel. The operation led to the arrest of over 30 individuals, with charges already filed against five. The network, operating in Jerusalem and the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), was reportedly planning multiple armed assaults rather than a single event.

According to investigators, the group was actively recruiting members, raising funds, acquiring weapons, and preparing for attacks. Key suspects identified are Rashid Rishk and Sabih Abu-Sabih, described as activists from 'Shabab al-Aqsa,' an organization allegedly linked to Hamas. The suspects allegedly began forming armed cells in early 2026, with plans to initiate attacks by early 2027.

Prosecution documents detail that Rishk procured an M16 rifle, a pistol, ammunition, and other equipment for the planned attacks. Muhammad Abu-Sabih is accused of managing the organization's funds and establishing weapon caches. One targeted location was reportedly a restaurant in Modi'in, where Ahmad Bakri worked. Rishk is alleged to have intended to supply Bakri with weapons, a bulletproof vest, and training for the attack. Another planned attack targeted the El-Azariya checkpoint, and Bakri is also accused of training cell members in explosives manufacturing.

Searches yielded weapons, ammunition, and military equipment. Rishk has a prior conviction for terror offenses, having been linked by Shin Bet to a Hamas network in East Jerusalem planning attacks and kidnappings in 2022. He received a nearly 14-year sentence in 2022 but was released in January 2025 as part of a hostage exchange deal from Gaza. He now faces renewed charges for terrorist activities.

The five individuals formally charged are accused of belonging to a terrorist organization, planning attacks, illegal weapons possession, financing terrorism, and recruitment. Investigations into the remaining detainees are ongoing. This operation follows a separate Shin Bet and police announcement regarding the arrest of a resident of Kafr Kanna suspected of planning and attempting a car bombing.