Israeli Man Arrested for Planning ISIS-Linked Bombing at Beersheba Nightclub

Abdallah Gargawi from Sde Boker was arrested on July 19 for planning a terrorist attack at the Forum nightclub in Beersheba. During his interrogation, Gargawi admitted he intended to bomb the club to harm both Jewish and Arab patrons. He also planned a shooting attack following the bombing.

Gargawi was charged with contact with a foreign agent, preparing to commit terrorism, weapons offenses, and more. He possessed weapons including an M-16 replica rifle, magazines, and ammunition, which he used for target practice in an open area near Ramat Hovav. Since 2022, he had consumed ISIS-related content online, expressed support for the group, and communicated with its supporters.

In preparation for the attack, Gargawi researched bomb-making on YouTube, attempting to gather materials such as agricultural lime, sulfur, and charcoal. He tried to obtain sulfur from various locations but ultimately resorted to extracting it from matchsticks. His plan involved detonating explosives remotely from a vehicle near the nightclub during peak hours.

Following his arrest, police and Shin Bet seized his mobile phone, which contained evidence of his communications with ISIS supporters and footage of him handling weapons. The indictment was filed at the Beersheba District Court on the day of his arrest.