Cleared for publication: The Shin Bet security agency recently foiled a Hamas plot to bomb a major bus station in central Israel. An Israeli Arab allegedly recruited by the Gaza-based terrorist group was slated to carry out the attack but was arrested before he could put the plan into motion.
According to details made available on Monday the suspect, Mahmoud Mekdad, 30, is an Arab Israeli resident of the Negev Bedouin town of Segev Shalom. He married a Gazan woman and divided his time between Israel and the coastal enclave.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The plot, which included detonating explosives in Bilu junction in central Israel, was foiled due to the joint efforts of the Shin Bet and Israel Police.
The investigation into the plan revealed that Mekdad, who was arrested several weeks ago, had been recruited by Hamas to carry out the attack.
It is believed that Mekdad was recruited by Hamas in late 2019 to gather intelligence on the location of Iron Dome defense systems in southern Israel. He was later trained on how to handle explosives with the aim of having him carry out an attack on an Israeli target.
He has reportedly told investigators that he has been acquiring the necessary components to build a powerful bomb since last crossing back from Gaza into Israel, in June.
After consulting with his Hamas handler, it was decided that Mekdad was to plant a bomb in the central bus station in Bilu junction, near the city of Rehovot, where dozens of bus lines pass daily.
Nine other people were arrested in the case, including Mekdad's brother, Ahmed, 32, who was privy to the plan but did nothing to prevent it, the Shin Bet said.
"This is further evidence of Hamas' efforts to establish terrorist infrastructure in Israel, the security agency said. "Even as efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, Hamas leadership in Gaza continues to pursue a strategy seeking to destabilize the region."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
