Israel's Prosecutor General Considers Probing Associates of Bar-Ilan Lecturer Accused of Planning Attacks

Israel's State Prosecutor's Office is examining the possibility of investigating individuals who met with a Bar-Ilan University mathematics lecturer accused of planning lethal attacks against Arab citizens for approximately three years. The lecturer, Shahar Nivo, allegedly shared details of his plot with public figures from security, media, academia, and public policy circles starting in 2025. The Prosecutor's Office is looking into the potential responsibility of some of these associates who met with the accused, following a petition submitted by the Joint List party through Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif.

According to the petition, several individuals were aware of the alleged plot and its details before police investigations began in 2026. The petition highlights that the lecturer had taken practical steps to advance his plan, raising questions about whether those aware of his intentions failed to report them to the authorities. The core issue revolves around the extent of these individuals' knowledge of the plot's nature and whether the information they received was sufficient to raise serious suspicions about the lecturer's intent and capability to carry out attacks.

These matters, which would be determined if an investigation is opened, include the potential application of criminal offenses related to failing to prevent a terrorist act or failing to prevent a crime. This would apply if evidence shows individuals possessed relevant information and refrained from reporting it to law enforcement agencies. The Joint List urged the Prosecutor General's Office to complete the investigation and examine the responsibility of anyone suspected of knowing about the plot and not reporting it, calling for firm and equal application of the law.