Firefighter Arrested for Planning Terror Attacks in Central Israel

A 19-year-old firefighter from Kafr Qasim, who served in a national service capacity, has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to establish a terror cell and planning a series of attacks against targets in Israel. The serious security incident unfolded following a covert and extended investigation by the Sharon District Police's special investigations unit in cooperation with the Shin Bet security agency.

Investigators revealed that the suspect exploited his position as a firefighter, which provided him with extensive access and knowledge of strategic sites in central Israel. He reportedly identified at least one sensitive facility as a preferred target for an attack. The suspect's radicalization reportedly began at age 16 and intensified significantly following the outbreak of the war in Gaza, leading him to seek ways to harm national security.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had contacted foreign hostile elements, including Hamas operatives and Iranian intelligence officials. Through these contacts, he obtained combat guides, downloaded instructions for constructing explosives from various materials, and conducted practical attempts to create explosive devices. He also sought to expand the terror infrastructure by recruiting two acquaintances from Kafr Qasim to join the cell. These two individuals were arrested and held for two weeks, but insufficient evidence was found to indict them.

During a raid on the suspect's home by Border Police and Shin Bet investigators, a significant amount of training equipment and airsoft weapons were seized. After a month of detention and investigation, a severe indictment is expected to be filed against the suspect on the following day.