Bar Ilan University Lecturer Indicted for Plotting Mass Attacks on Arab Israelis

A 60-year-old mathematics lecturer at Bar Ilan University has been indicted for allegedly planning large-scale terrorist attacks against hundreds of Arab Israeli citizens, including Bedouins, as well as Arabs residing in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The indictment, filed by the State Prosecutor's Office, alleges that the suspect, a resident of Petah Tikva, devised a radical and murderous plan motivated by ideology, which he termed "EIT", an acronym for "The people will perform a transfer." The prosecution attributes security offenses, including preparation for an act of terror, extortion by threats, and obstruction of justice, to the accused. They are seeking his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The indictment details that the lecturer, motivated by the "Guardian of the Walls" riots and later by the "Swords of Iron" war, decided to plan and execute simultaneous terror attacks aimed at killing hundreds of Arab Israeli citizens. The goal, according to the indictment, was to cause their permanent expulsion from Israel to Jordan, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. For over three years, starting in February 2023 until his arrest two weeks ago, he allegedly developed this detailed plan.

As part of his preparations, the lecturer allegedly conducted reconnaissance, drafted documents outlining the plan and its justifications, and attempted to recruit participants. The indictment claims he envisioned 72 Jewish attackers, many with licensed weapons, divided into 12 terror cells. These cells were to be armed with various weapons and launch surprise mass attacks in mixed cities and Arab towns. The plan also reportedly included support from individuals within the IDF, such as bombing Arab population centers by the Air Force, Artillery Corps, and Armored Corps.

Further details from the indictment describe the accused's instructions for "mass murder" and "rapid takeover of friction zones, roads, and entry/exit points to Arab communities, mixed cities, and hospitals," with explicit directives not to show mercy to women and children. He allegedly attempted to recruit supporters for about a year and a half without success and scouted the village of Tuba Zangaria for attack routes.

The indictment also alleges that the lecturer attempted to recruit Moshe Feiglin, a candidate for the 26th Knesset, to join his plan, seeking his assistance in recruiting activists. He reportedly attended Feiglin's public events, attempting to arrange a meeting and present his plan. When Feiglin did not respond, the lecturer allegedly sent him a threatening letter, accusing him of non-cooperation and warning of public damage if he didn't comply. He later delivered copies of this extortion letter, along with another threatening letter addressed to the party's CEO, to Feiglin's home and at a "Zeut" party event.

Throughout his alleged activities, the accused reportedly took measures to conceal his identity and actions, including writing documents by hand, using disguises like masks and sunglasses during meetings, using aliases, and employing burner phones. The prosecution emphasized the lecturer's extreme and murderous ideology, his clear and immediate danger to individuals, the public, and the state, and the heightened risk due to his actions during a period of heightened security tensions.

Bar Ilan University issued a statement condemning and expressing shock at the allegations, announcing the lecturer's immediate suspension pending the outcome of the proceedings. The university called for a severe prosecution if the claims are proven true and affirmed zero tolerance for such phenomena, which contradict Jewish, Israeli, and human values.