Terror plot foiled: Israeli Arabs charged in shocking Temple Mount attack plan

Two Israeli Arabs Indicted for Plotting Temple Mount Terror Attack and Ties to Tulkarm Brigades

The Haifa District Attorney’s Office filed a serious indictment Friday morning against two Israeli Arab citizens for alleged involvement in terrorist activity, including plotting a stabbing attack on the Temple Mount and maintaining contact with members of the Tulkarm Brigades, a known terrorist organization. The indictment was submitted to the Haifa District Court and names Nur Shabat, a resident of the village of Nahf, and Amir Kiwan, from Deir al-Asad, as the accused.

According to the indictment, Shabat established contact with a senior operative in the Tulkarm Brigades and made active attempts to join the terrorist faction, which operates in Judea and Samaria. In addition to this, he approached several individuals in an effort to integrate himself into other armed battalions involved in violent activity against Israeli forces.

The case reveals that Shabat sought out Kiwan to assist in facilitating travel logistics for his planned operations. During visits to the Temple Mount during Ramadan last year, Shabat attempted to persuade Kiwan to commit a stabbing attack targeting Israeli security personnel stationed at the holy site. The Temple Mount, a frequent flashpoint of tension, has long been viewed as a sensitive location where Israeli authorities have maintained a heightened presence during religious holidays.

The suspects’ activities came to light through a collaborative investigation led by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and the Northern District Police. The two men were arrested in March following the discovery of substantial evidence indicating their connection to known terrorist operatives.

Israeli authorities condemned the actions of the accused, emphasizing the severity of any domestic collaboration with terrorist organizations. In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and Israel Police said: “We view very seriously any involvement of Israeli citizens in activity that endangers the security of the state and its citizens, and will continue to work to thwart terrorist activity and bring those involved to justice.”

The indictment underscores the growing concern over radicalization within Israel’s borders and the efforts of internal security forces to disrupt plots before they can be carried out. Proceedings against the two suspects are expected to continue in the coming weeks.