Publicist Admits Knowing of Terror Plot Against Arabs, Didn't Report It

A right-wing publicist, Tamir Dortal, has revealed that he met with a Bar-Ilan University lecturer accused of planning a major terror attack against hundreds of Israeli Arabs, but did not report him to the police at the time. Dortal admitted on Monday, October 5, that he made a mistake, describing the plan presented by the 60-year-old Petah Tikva resident as "completely delusional." The court has banned the publication of the accused's personal details for at least two days. The accused referred to his plan as "AIT," an acronym for "Am Ya'aseh Transfer" (The People Will Do Transfer). He faces charges of preparing a terror attack, extortion with threats, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors are seeking to extend his detention until the trial concludes.

Dortal told Ynet that the man, who introduced himself as a retired professor, presented the idea as purely theoretical. "As soon as I understood the essence, I immediately expressed categorical objections and explained to the guest that I consider his idea unacceptable and dangerous," Dortal stated. He asked the man to leave his office, adding that the idea was monstrous both morally and in terms of the professor's own principles. Dortal also asked if he had a weapon, to which the man replied no.

"I regret not going to the police. It was a mistake," Dortal said, explaining he believed the threat was theoretical. He had warned the man he would inform the head of the General (Shin Bet) in hopes of deterring him. Dortal stated that after the professor's arrest, he went to the police and fully cooperated with the investigation, emphasizing he did not participate in, facilitate, or support the plan.

Dortal, who hosts the podcast "On the Meaning," also faced controversy in September for saying it was "good" if IDF soldiers died in clashes with Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, a facsimile of a letter from the accused to Moshe Feiglin, head of the Zehut party, was released. Titled "The People Will Do Transfer," the handwritten letter, written in block letters, allegedly contained blackmail demands and insults for Feiglin's refusal to cooperate, threatening to damage his reputation before elections.

The accused reportedly went to Feiglin's home and delivered the letter to a neighbor, and later delivered copies of the letter and similar threats to the Zehut party's general director at an event. The Zehut party stated that upon receiving the letters, Feiglin immediately reported the matter to the police, thanking law enforcement for their swift action.

Neighbors expressed shock, describing the lecturer as polite and friendly, not an extremist, though one noted he looked and dressed unconventionally. One neighbor witnessed his forceful arrest by plainclothes officers. The prosecution's request for extended detention cited the accused's "extreme and bloodthirsty ideology" and "detailed multi-level planning" over several years, aiming for mass killings of Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians to force their departure from the country.