Young Man from Southern Israel Charged with Planning ISIS Attack Near Beersheba Club

Abdallah Gargawi from Segev Shalom in southern Israel has been indicted for planning to join ISIS and carrying out a terror attack near the Forum club in Beersheba. According to the indictment, in the months before his arrest, Gargawi joined a small Signal app group discussing jihad and events in Israel. When the group was about to close, he was told to be patient and wait for further contact. After the group disbanded, he deleted the app to avoid leaving traces.

Gargawi contacted a Syrian ISIS supporter seeking information on how to reach Syria to join the fight. He received guidance on possible routes through Jordan or Turkey. Later, he communicated directly with an ISIS operative who suggested traveling to Yemen or Afghanistan to join the organization. He planned to leave Israel for Syria but halted preparations after police searched his home, fearing arrest.

Simultaneously, Gargawi planned a bombing attack in Beersheba using explosives. Starting around February 2026, he intended to park a booby-trapped vehicle near the Forum club and detonate it remotely when crowds were present. He researched bomb-making instructions on YouTube and attempted to acquire sulfur, even trying to extract it from matches, but his ignition test failed.

The indictment also accuses Gargawi of illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. He held an M-16 style rifle, magazines, and ammunition for a relative and fired the weapon in an open area near Ramat Hovav. In 2025, he possessed various firearms including MAG, Kalashnikov, and Negev rifles for another individual.

The arrest request highlighted the severity of his offenses and the risk of reoffending if released, noting his continued planning despite multiple security warnings. Charges include contact with a foreign agent, providing services to a terrorist organization, preparing and training for terrorism, and weapons offenses. The investigation was conducted by the Southern District Police and the Shin Bet.