Math Professor Accused of Planning Mass Attacks on Arabs

Professor Shachar Nevo, a 59-year-old mathematics lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, has been indicted for planning large-scale terrorist attacks against hundreds of Arab Israelis and Palestinians. The indictment, filed by the Central District Prosecutor's Office, charges Nevo with preparing to commit an act of terror, extortion by threats, and obstruction of justice. The alleged motive is nationalistic-ideological, exacerbated by the "Swords of Iron" war.

According to the indictment, Nevo devised a plan called "Eit, A Nation Will Perform Transfer," aiming to cause the permanent flight and expulsion of Arab citizens of Israel, including Bedouins, and Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Over three years, starting in February 2023, Nevo conducted reconnaissance, drafted documents outlining the plan and its justifications, and attempted to recruit participants. He envisioned 72 Jewish attackers organized into 12 cells, armed with various weapons, to carry out simultaneous mass terror attacks in mixed and Arab towns. The plan also included seeking assistance from elements within the IDF, such as air force and artillery support, to bomb Arab population centers.

Nevo's plan detailed instructions for public participation in "mass murder, rapid takeover of friction zones, roads, entrances/exits to Arab towns, mixed cities, and hospitals." He explicitly stated, "Do not have mercy even on their cruel and disgusting women and children... harden hearts." The simultaneous attacks, amplified on social media, were intended to trigger the mass exodus of Arab citizens.

Nevo also attempted to recruit Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Zehut party, to aid in recruiting activists for the planned terror attack. He planned to invite potential recruits to a Zehut party event, where they would be informed of their imminent participation in a terror attack and receive detailed operational instructions.

Bar-Ilan University has suspended Nevo pending the legal proceedings, stating it has zero tolerance for such actions and calls for the full extent of the law to be applied if the charges are proven. Feiglin and the Zehut party stated they had reported Nevo's threats to the police and thanked law enforcement for their swift action. Nevo, representing himself during a hearing, requested house arrest, citing his changed life circumstances and fear of other inmates, stating, "I don't see who I am a danger to."