Man Arrested for Repeated False Terror Alerts in Afula

Police in northern Israel have arrested a 38-year-old bus driver from Ein Mahall who is suspected of making at least five false reports of planned terror attacks in Afula since early 2025. The suspect allegedly called emergency services repeatedly, providing different details each time about fabricated plots, including specific times and locations like the Afula central bus station and train station. These false alarms caused significant stress to local residents, including parents and kindergarten staff, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Each report prompted a response from police and sometimes special forces, who were dispatched to investigate and secure the areas. Despite the varying details, investigators were able to link all the calls to a single phone number, leading to the suspect's apprehension. His arrest occurred in late August, and his detention has been extended as authorities investigate his motives.

Police are seeking to understand why the man repeatedly filed these false reports. A police official emphasized the importance of emergency lines like 100 for genuine threats, warning that false reports divert critical resources from real emergencies. The suspect faces charges of providing false information, a serious offense.