Bar-Ilan University Teacher Indicted for Plotting Mass Attacks on Arab Israelis

An Israeli math teacher from Bar-Ilan University was indicted on Monday for allegedly planning a series of mass terrorist attacks against Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians. The suspect, a man in his sixties from Petah Tikva, reportedly conceived the plot with the aim of causing their expulsion or permanent flight. His identity is currently under a publication ban.

The indictment, filed at the Central District Court in Lod, includes charges of preparing a terrorist act, extortion by threats, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors are seeking his continued detention until the proceedings conclude. According to the indictment, the teacher developed his plan from February 2023 until his arrest approximately two weeks ago. The plot, reportedly fueled by the May 2021 riots and radicalized further after the outbreak of war following the October 7, 2023, attack, was codenamed "AY'T," a Hebrew acronym roughly translating to "the people will carry out the transfer."

The alleged plan involved assembling 72 Jewish assailants, including the suspect, organized into twelve cells of six people each. At least half were to possess firearm permits. These groups were intended to use firearms, axes, and hammers for simultaneous attacks in mixed Arab-Jewish cities and Arab towns across Israel, with Tuba-Zanghariya in the north being a primary target. The suspect reportedly conducted reconnaissance around Tuba-Zanghariya to scout access routes and attack paths. The plan also aimed to recruit individuals within the IDF for military support, including strikes against Arab population centers, though the indictment does not state this support was obtained.

The documents allegedly called for carrying out massacres and swiftly seizing control of roads, access points to Arab localities, mixed cities, and hospitals, explicitly instructing not to spare women and children. Prosecutors stated the real-time broadcast of attacks on social media was intended to amplify terror and compel Arab citizens of Israel, including Bedouins, as well as Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the West Bank, to flee to Jordan, Lebanon, or the Gaza Strip.

Over approximately eighteen months, the teacher reportedly attempted to recruit participants, but none agreed to join. He allegedly sought support from Moshe Feiglin, president of the Zehout party, to recruit other activists. After attending two of Feiglin's public events, the suspect attempted to meet him and present a summary of the plan. Feiglin's office stated that he did not respond to these overtures. About a month ago, the suspect allegedly sent Feiglin a letter threatening to damage his reputation before elections if he refused to cooperate, followed by other letters to his associates. Feiglin's team claims they filed a complaint upon receiving the letter.

The prosecution also accuses the teacher of attempting to conceal his activities by writing documents by hand, using a pseudonym, and borrowing strangers' phones for communication. Bar-Ilan University strongly condemned the alleged actions and announced the teacher's immediate suspension pending the judicial outcome, stating a "zero tolerance" policy and urging authorities to prosecute rigorously if the accusations are proven.