Bar-Ilan University Professor Accused of Planning Mass Terror Attacks Against Arabs

Shahar Nevo, a 59-year-old mathematics professor at Bar-Ilan University, has been accused of planning large-scale terror attacks targeting hundreds of Arabs, including Israeli citizens and Palestinians. The indictment, filed in the Lod District Court, charges Nevo with preparing for a terror attack, blackmail with threats, and obstructing justice. Prosecutors allege that amid recent conflicts, Nevo decided to organize coordinated attacks across the country with the goal of forcing the Arab population to flee Israel. For over three years, starting in February 2023, Nevo allegedly developed a detailed plan named AIT, meaning "The People Will Perform the Transfer." He was arrested in September 2026. According to the prosecution, Nevo conducted reconnaissance, drafted documents, and attempted to recruit participants for his plan, which envisioned 72 Jewish terrorists divided into 12 groups. These groups, armed with legally registered weapons including pistols, rifles, axes, and hammers, were to carry out simultaneous attacks in mixed and Arab population centers. Nevo also reportedly believed these groups would receive support from radical elements within the IDF, including aerial bombardments of Arab population centers. A document titled "How to Carry Out AIT Here and Now" outlined practical instructions, including "mass murder, rapid seizure of contact areas, roads, entrances and exits of Arab settlements, mixed cities and hospitals. Do not spare even women and cruel, disgusting children, do not stop before pleas, harden hearts." The plan also stipulated real-time social media coverage of the attacks to compel Arab citizens and Palestinians to leave the country. Nevo allegedly sought to recruit participants by contacting politician Moshe Feiglin, head of the Zehut party, and planned to announce the attack at a Zehut event. The prosecution is seeking to extend Nevo's detention, citing his "radical and bloodthirsty ideology" and the clear and present danger he poses. During a court hearing on October 4, Nevo requested release, stating he was no longer a danger and had personal matters to attend to, expressing fear for his safety due to his identity as a Bar-Ilan professor. Bar-Ilan University condemned Nevo's alleged actions and stated he would be immediately suspended. Moshe Feiglin and the Zehut party confirmed they had reported Nevo's blackmail and threats to the police. Publicist Tamir Dortal, who met with Nevo and heard about the plan, admitted he did not initially report it to the police, believing it to be a theoretical idea, but later informed authorities after Nevo's arrest. Dortal stated he had warned Nevo that he would report the plan to the Shin Bet.