Recently, police in East Jerusalem arrested three individuals on suspicion of preparing for a terrorist attack aimed at security forces. The operation focused on the Sheikh Saed checkpoint located in the Jabel Mukaber neighborhood.
The suspects reportedly intended to carry out their attack using a car bomb.
Law enforcement officials revealed that all three detainees had previously linked up with ISIS and were reportedly in touch with members of the group operating in both the West Bank and Syria. They had even contemplated traveling to Syria for training in bomb-making skills. Furthermore, police noted that the suspects spent a considerable amount of time consuming online content related to ISIS, including propaganda and videos showcasing violence from war-torn areas.
The investigation was initiated through intelligence provided by Shin Bet. Initially, one of the suspects, a young man in his twenties from Sur Baher, was apprehended several weeks ago. Following this arrest, two other suspects, also in their twenties, were taken into custody for questioning shortly thereafter.
After the initial suspect’s home was searched a few days later, authorities found a pistol along with ammunition hidden in one of his socks.
Authorities indicated that one of the detainees had purchased a firearm with the explicit goal of “killing Jews.”
As the investigation unfolded, the suspects explored various methods for carrying out their planned attack. They initially considered using firearms against the security forces at the checkpoint and even looked into deploying a drone. Ultimately, they opted for a car bomb, which they believed would yield greater destruction and higher casualty numbers.
The court has extended their detention multiple times since their initial arrest. Legal officials anticipate that charges will be filed against all three suspects following an earlier statement made by prosecutors regarding two of the individuals.
