4 Jerusalem Arabs arrested for plotting ISIS ‘end of days’ attack against Jews

The security agency said the men were planning a large-scale attack against Jewish Israelis that would lead to a “great war of the end of days.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli authorities announced Friday that four residents of East Jerusalem’s Beit Safafa neighborhood were arrested on suspicion of preparing an attack influenced by the Islamic State organization or ISIS.

The Shin Bet, working with Israel Police, said the men—each in his 20s—had been monitored for weeks before officers moved in.

The security agency said the men were planning a large-scale attack against Jewish Israelis that would lead to a “great war of the end of days.”

Security officials said the group had immersed themselves in Islamic State content online, including graphic videos circulated by the organization.

Investigators indicated that the men adopted the group’s worldview and spoke openly about gearing up for what they called an end-times battle targeting Jews.

During interrogations, one suspect reportedly stated that a pistol he had acquired would be used “against Jews or anyone who is not a Muslim.”

During searches, officers found a handgun tucked inside a chicken coop on the property of one of the detainees, along with additional equipment that authorities believe was intended for future use.

The Shin Bet said prosecutors are preparing charges against two of the suspects, while investigators continue questioning the other two. All four remain jailed.

In a separate investigation, the Shin Bet disclosed that an 18-year-old Israeli from the Sharon area was taken into custody last month after allegedly studying how to manufacture explosives. Officials said he had shown interest in carrying out an ISIS-inspired attack, though the inquiry into his activities is ongoing.

Authorities said the cases reflect a pattern of individuals consuming online propaganda and attempting to act on it without direct operational support.