Jerusalem District Police and the Shin Bet security service foiled a sophisticated terrorist attack planned by three ISIS supporters from east Jerusalem who intended to strike security forces using multiple methods including gunfire, car bombs, and explosive drones at the Sheikh Saad checkpoint.
The terror cell, comprising men in their twenties, consumed ISIS propaganda online, learned bomb-making techniques, and purchased firearms while planning coordinated attacks against Israeli security forces and Jewish civilians in the capital.
Israeli security forces conducted a prolonged investigation that revealed the suspects' extensive preparation including weapons procurement, communication with ISIS operatives abroad, and detailed planning for maximum casualties through various attack methods.
The investigation further revealed that one suspect contacted ISIS operatives in Judea and Samaria and Syria with the goal of traveling there for terrorist training. Some of the three also planned to purchase a drone online and fly it toward the Sheikh Saad checkpoint to attack forces operating at the location. Police sources said that at some point, the three planned to use a car bomb to cause "greater damage and more deaths."
One of the detained suspects purchased a pistol for tens of thousands of shekels with the intention of carrying out a shooting attack, while another previously threw eight firebombs at a police station and fled the scene. Investigation revealed that one suspect regularly provided journalists with photos from impact sites across the country while working in central Israel.
Two of the suspects are expected to stand trial after an indictment was filed against them. The third suspect's detention was extended.
