Shin Bet Thwarts Terror Cells Planning Attacks in Southern Israel
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Israel's Shin Bet security agency has arrested 72 individuals in southern Israel since early 2026 for suspected terror activities, including plots for attacks and arms smuggling. Two specific cells were thwarted: one planning a military-style battalion in Shagav Shalom and another led by Abdallah Jarjoui, who aimed to attack a Beersheba nightclub. Indictments have been filed against many of the suspects, with officials warning of the growing threat from organized Israeli civilian terror cells.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet arrested 72 Negev residents since early 2026 for endangering national security.
- Two terror cells were thwarted, one planning a military-style battalion in Shagav Shalom.
- Suspects planned attacks including shootings at police stations and a nightclub.
- One suspect, Abdallah Jarjoui, planned an attack at the Forum club in Beersheba.
- Indictments have been filed against many of the detained individuals.
- Shin Bet warns of increasing security risks from organized Israeli civilian terror cells.
Israel's Shin Bet security agency revealed on Thursday that it has arrested 72 residents of the Negev and southern Israel since the beginning of 2026 on suspicion of endangering national security. Among those detained are 67 Israeli citizens. The arrests are linked to plots for terror attacks and arms smuggling across borders, with indictments already filed against approximately 50 individuals.
Details emerged regarding two thwarted terror plots in recent months. One involved five young residents of Shagav Shalom who allegedly planned to establish a military-style battalion, inspired by Palestinian militant groups, to carry out attacks against Israeli targets. The Shin Bet stated that the group's leader, motivated by Palestinian sympathies, actively recruited members and promoted terrorism online.
According to the investigation, one member agreed to carry out a shooting attack on the Shagav Shalom police station and a combined stabbing and shooting attack at the Beersheba central bus station. Another suspect reportedly agreed to serve as the group's "engineer," responsible for creating explosive devices. A third individual, who expressed support for ISIS, had been planning a stabbing attack for two years. The fifth member also agreed to join the battalion and attack the Shagav Shalom police station.
In a separate case, Abdallah Jarjoui, an Israeli resident of Shagav Shalom, was arrested in July. The Shin Bet reported that Jarjoui incited terrorism and planned an attack at the Forum club in Beersheba. He was also in contact with ISIS operatives, expressed a desire to join their overseas combat zones, and identified with terror organizations like ISIS and Hamas.
Indictments for serious terror offenses have been filed against those involved in both cases in the Beersheba District Court. A senior Shin Bet official warned that these arrests highlight the security risks posed by Israeli civilian groups, some with quasi-military structures, aiming to carry out attacks within Israel. The official credited the joint efforts of the Shin Bet and Israel Police in intelligence gathering and early intervention for foiling these plots.
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