Firefighter Indicted for Planning Strategic Attack on Amdocs Data Center

A severe indictment was filed this week against Mustafa Issa, a 20-year-old resident of Kafr Qasim, who served as a firefighter and allegedly planned a strategic terrorist attack from his post. According to the indictment, Issa, motivated by nationalist ideology and influenced by the "Guardian of the Walls" events and the October 7th Hamas massacre, decided between January 2025 and August 2024 to carry out a terrorist attack against a strategic target in Israel.

Issa reportedly volunteered for the fire and rescue services not as a firefighter but in a support role, after already deciding to commit an attack. His intention was to use his position to identify and gather intelligence on a suitable target. During his service, he visited the server farm of the technology giant Amdocs in Ra'anana and decided to focus his attack there, believing it would cause significant diplomatic and economic damage to Israel. He admitted during his interrogation, "I thought an attack should be carried out there because it is a secret and tactical place with many servers inside."

In preparation for the attack, Issa downloaded guides on manufacturing weapons and explosives and studied lone attacker tactics, reportedly viewing ISIS content online. He attempted to construct an explosive device twice, first using flammable materials mixed with fireworks and detonators, and later with sulfur, charcoal, and other substances, destroying the mixtures after failed experiments. He also acquired a drone and an accessory to attach a payload, intending to use it for the attack.

Authorities also suspect Issa attempted to form a terror cell by recruiting two acquaintances from Kafr Qasim, who were briefly detained but released due to insufficient evidence. Information about the investigation was passed to the fire department about two months prior to his arrest, leading to his removal from duty. He was subsequently arrested by the Shin Bet and the Sharon District police. A search of his home yielded training equipment and airsoft weapons. The indictment includes charges of preparing for an act of terror, weapons offenses for terror purposes, and training for terror purposes. Prosecutors are seeking his detention until the legal proceedings conclude.