In a joint operation, the Central Unit of the Yerushalayim District Police, in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), successfully thwarted a detailed terror plan that was set to unfold in the capital. The would-be attacker, an Arab resident of Yerushalayim, had constructed pipe bombs and obtained knives, with the intention of striking during the month of Ramadan.
Over the past several weeks, the Shin Bet and the Yerushalayim Central Police Unit investigated the suspect, suspecting that he was preparing for multiple types of assaults. These included pipe bomb attacks at various sites around Yerushalayim, as well as car-ramming and stabbing attempts targeting Jewish civilians and security personnel.
Last month, investigators from the Yerushalayim District, under the guidance of the Shin Bet, apprehended a man in his twenties from the Shuafat “Refugee” Camp located in the northeastern part of the city. During interrogation, he confessed that he was plotting to plant explosive devices on the city’s light rail, inside buses, and in eateries in Yerushalayim’s southern neighborhoods. He had already taken steps toward realizing those plans and had begun learning how to manufacture explosive devices. He reportedly acquired materials such as pipes, matchboxes, fireworks, and other components necessary for assembling pipe bombs.
At a certain point in his planning, the individual expanded his ambitions to include a combined vehicle-ramming and knife attack. He began taking driving lessons and purchased large knives, which he stored at his residence in preparation for the attack.
As Ramadan approached, the terrorist finalized his plans to carry out the attack at a prominent intersection in Yerushalayim. In addition to continuing his driving practice, he sought to obtain a vehicle specifically for use in the assault, after which he planned to proceed with stabbing his victims.
Investigators discovered that the suspect aspired to die as a martyr, saying he wanted to be a “Shaheed,” and that he would listen to Quranic verses in order to motivate himself to carry out deadly assaults against Jews.
Following the investigation, authorities were able to compile sufficient evidence against the suspect. His detention has been extended as required, and the Yerushalayim District Prosecutor is preparing to file a formal indictment in the case.

{Matzav.com Israel}