ISIS-inspired plot thwarted, 4 charged in Jerusalem

Four suspects from eastern Jerusalem were charged over an ISIS-inspired plan targeting civilians and security forces.

By World Israel News Staff

Four Arab residents of eastern Jerusalem were indicted on Sunday for their roles in an Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired terror plot targeting civilians and security personnel, Israeli authorities said.

Majed Halayla, 31; Mohammed Sabah, 22; and Omar Abu al-Amal, 26, along with a 16-year-old whose identity remains under a gag order due to his age, were charged in a Jerusalem District Court, according to a statement from the State Attorney’s Office.

The three adults and the minor face multiple charges, including membership in a terrorist organization, recruiting members to a terrorist organization, preparing and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, and conspiracy to commit murder under aggravated circumstances.

According to the indictment, the suspects accessed advanced training materials published online by Islamic State, including detailed instructions for manufacturing explosive devices.

Prosecutors said several of the defendants pledged allegiance to ISIS and attempted to recruit additional operatives into the terror organization.

The group allegedly planned a series of attacks, including shootings, car-ramming assaults and bombings targeting both civilian and military sites in Jerusalem and the Judea and Samaria area.

“The defendants worked to advance the plan, including by gathering intelligence on potential targets, learning how to use weapons, and organizing military-style training in preparation for carrying out the attacks,” the indictment stated.

Among the locations identified as potential targets were Damascus Gate in Jerusalem and the Jewish community of Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, prosecutors said.

The case follows a similar indictment in April, when a 20-year-old Israeli citizen of Arab descent was charged with multiple terror-related offenses for allegedly planning an attack against Israeli military personnel.

Mohammad Abd al-Ghani, from northern Israel, “pledged allegiance to ISIS, attempted to purchase a handgun, and intended to carry out terrorist activity against IDF soldiers in the city of Karmiel,” according to prosecutors.