The central unit of the Jerusalem District Police and the General Security Service detained three terrorists in their 20s from East Jerusalem. The group was apparently inspired by ISIS and planning mass attacks on civilian and police targets in central Jerusalem. Two of the group members were convinced by a fellow operative to attend terrorist training abroad.
An investigation revealed that members of the cell had pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out attacks with the help of explosives and firearms. The Shin Bet also said that since preparations for a bombing of Teddy Stadium was not successful, two of the cell members were planned a shooting attack instead.
The two terrorists had teamed up with a resident of Swahara, Jerusalem who convinced them to receive training in Africa as well as Syria or Iraq. Prior to the arrest, the two terrorists had begun to prepare for the imminent attacks and learning to use explosives.
With the conclusion of the investigation, an evidentiary foundation was formed against the terrorist squad and their detention extended at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court. Following publication of the affair, an indictment is expected to be filed against the cell later in the day.
Jerusalem District Police Chief Doron Turgeman praised the Jerusalem Police Department for its cooperation with the Shin Bet to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. "Since the beginning of the war, they have thwarted dozens of attacks in the Jerusalem area thanks to [critical] intelligence and work on the investigative level, as well as vigilance, professionalism and quick response of Jerusalem district police officers and security forces in the capital," he was quoted as saying.