Bar Ilan Professor Charged with Planning Mass Murder of Arab Israelis

A mathematics professor from Bar Ilan University, in his 60s and from Petah Tikva, has been indicted for allegedly planning a large-scale terrorist attack targeting hundreds of Arab Israeli citizens, East Jerusalem residents, and Palestinians. The indictment, filed by prosecutors Roi Reis and Tomer Steinberg, details a meticulously planned operation named "Ayit" (Hebrew for eagle, also an acronym for "a people will do transfer"). The professor, whose name has not yet been cleared for publication, reportedly conceived the plan out of nationalist-ideological motives, exacerbated by the "Guardian of the Walls" riots and the ongoing war, aiming to cause their permanent expulsion to Jordan, Lebanon, and Gaza.

Over three years, beginning in February 2023, the professor developed a detailed plan involving 72 Jewish operatives, at least half of whom possess firearm licenses. These operatives were to be divided into 12 terror cells, armed with various weapons including handguns, rifles, axes, and hammers, and launch simultaneous mass terror attacks in mixed and Arab towns across Israel. The plan also allegedly included coordination with subversive elements within the IDF for support, such as air force, artillery, and armored corps bombing of Arab population centers.

In connection with the investigation, it was revealed that the professor had contacted retired brigadier general Meir Must, a former fighter pilot and right-wing media figure, reportedly seeking assistance in reaching Moshe Feiglin. However, investigation materials indicate the professor did not disclose his terrorist plans to Must. Must stated he would not comment on the investigation.

Separately, it was reported that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) transferred the professor's case file to the police within a few hours, before a search of the suspect's home was conducted. This rapid transfer has been described as negligence in the investigation.