Israeli security forces thwart Hamas-linked ramming attack on IDF soldiers

The operation, conducted in February, uncovered chilling evidence of Zariqat’s intent, including a personal will, Hamas manuals detailing attack methods, and various nationalist materials in his possession. The Northern District Prosecutor’s Office is set to file an indictment against him later today, marking the end of a meticulous investigation.

Zariqat, apprehended in the Lower Galilee town of Kafr Kanna, northeast of Nazareth, had not only resolved to execute a vehicular assault on Israeli troops but had taken concrete steps toward that goal, according to authorities. The probe revealed his deep ties to Hamas ideology, with the seized documents offering a roadmap for terror tactics. “He decided to carry out a ramming attack and even attempted to follow through,” an ISA statement noted, underscoring the immediacy of the threat he posed.

The ISA and Israel Police issued a joint statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance stance on such threats from within Israel’s borders. “We view the involvement of Israeli citizens in actions that jeopardize the security of the state and its people with utmost gravity,” they declared. “We will persist in ensuring that those engaged in such activities face the full force of justice.” The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to counter internal security risks, especially amid heightened tensions with Hamas and other groups.

This foiled plot follows a pattern of vigilance by Israeli forces, who in mid-February also disrupted another ramming-and-shooting scheme by two Arab-Israeli citizens from Zemer. As the indictment looms, Zariqat’s case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing IDF personnel—and the relentless work of security agencies to neutralize them before they strike.