Bar-Ilan University Lecturer Arrested for Allegedly Plotting Mass Terror Attack

A mathematics lecturer at Bar-Ilan University has been arrested and charged with planning a large-scale terror attack targeting hundreds of Arabs. The lecturer, described by students as "strange, alienated, distant, and rigid," allegedly planned to recruit 71 Jewish extremists, divide them into 12 cells, and launch simultaneous surprise attacks on mixed cities and Arab and Bedouin communities within Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The goal of the plot, codenamed "E'et" (meaning "transfer"), was to murder hundreds of people and force them to leave Israel.

The indictment details the lecturer's extreme ideology, including instructions to show no mercy to women and children and to harden their hearts. The investigation began after the Shin Bet received initial information about the lecturer's plans, which was then transferred to the Central District of the Israel Police. The lecturer, who is in his 60s and from Petah Tikva, has been in custody since September 17. He has requested to be released to house arrest, claiming he poses no danger and citing his need to check exams.

Students who spoke to the press described the lecturer as unusual, noting he often taught via Zoom and wrote everything, including presentations, by hand. They also recalled him issuing threatening remarks in exam comments. "He spoke in an unpleasant tone and didn't choose his words carefully towards students," they said, reiterating his strangeness. Faculty members expressed shock and dismay, stating the lecturer was not well-known and did not stand out as a respected researcher. They lamented the "enormous damage" to the university's reputation caused by the alleged actions of "such a delusional person."

The Bar-Ilan University administration issued a statement condemning and expressing horror at the accusations, calling for the authorities to prosecute the lecturer to the fullest extent of the law if the allegations are proven true. The university affirmed its zero-tolerance policy for such phenomena, which contradict its values and those of Jewish people, Israelis, and humans in general. The lecturer has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the proceedings. The Student Union chairman, Tehar Rothschild, stated that the union takes the charges very seriously but emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, expressing confidence in the legal system.

While the campus is currently on semester break with few people present, university WhatsApp groups are reportedly abuzz with reactions of astonishment and shock from faculty and students, both on campus and abroad.