University Lecturer Arrested for Plotting Mass Attacks on Arab Towns

The head of the Toura al-Zangariya Local Council, Muaiad Heib, revealed that the local council received no prior warning from police regarding the investigation into a Bar-Ilan University mathematics lecturer accused of planning to carry out attacks targeting hundreds of Arabs, including residents of Toura al-Zangariya. Heib stated in a radio interview that the town's leadership was unaware of the investigation or the suspect's activities in the area until the publication ban was lifted and the news broke in the media. The indictment alleges the suspect conducted reconnaissance in the vicinity of Toura al-Zangariya to scout access routes and assess the feasibility of attacks on Arab towns and other locations. He faces charges including preparing for a terrorist act, extortion by threat, and obstruction of justice.

Heib linked the case to what he described as a rise in racist right-wing currents in Israel, viewing it as a product of the prevailing political and incitement climate. He attributed this trend to groups associated with "Hilltop Youth" and national religious schools, citing public incitement from ministers, Knesset members, and political and academic figures, alongside a perceived lack of sufficient action from the police and official bodies. He noted that Toura al-Zangariya has recently experienced racist incidents, including visits from political figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Tzvi Sukkot, alongside increased incitement in the northern region. He believes the government's and the Ministry of National Security's inaction emboldens right-wing elements.

Heib expressed concern that the incitement could escalate into organized violence, citing recent tensions and attacks in Majd al-Krum as an example. He emphasized the seriousness of the plot, which reportedly aimed not just at individuals but at large-scale operations intended to kill, intimidate, and displace Arab citizens. The lack of prior notification to the local council, he stated, raises questions about the police's handling of potential threats to the town and its residents amidst rising racist attacks and rhetoric against the Arab community.