Israeli teen, Haifa man to be indicted over ISIS-linked attack plots
Israeli teen, Haifa man face indictments for allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting attacks on the Temple Mount and an IDF base
Israeli prosecutors are expected to file indictments Thursday against a 16-year-old from the Galilee and a 19-year-old Haifa resident accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning attacks against security personnel, police and the Shin Bet said.
The minor was arrested on Aug. 4 in a joint operation by the Shin Bet security agency and the Israel Police’s Northern District central unit. According to investigators, the teenager had made contact with ISIS-linked elements and sworn allegiance to the terrorist organization.
Authorities allege that the teenager searched online for material explaining how to make explosive belts and intended to attack Israeli police officers and soldiers at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Several days later, investigators arrested Ibrahim Kaabia, 19, of Haifa. During questioning, Kaabia was also suspected of having pledged allegiance to ISIS and of planning an attack against an IDF base in northern Israel, according to the joint statement.
The Haifa District Attorney’s Office is expected to submit indictments against both suspects to the Haifa District Court, along with requests that they remain in custody for the duration of the legal proceedings.
The Shin Bet and Israel Police said they view the involvement of Israeli citizens in activity that threatens the security of the state and its residents with “great seriousness” and would continue working to bring those involved to justice.