The State Prosecutor's Office has filed a serious indictment against two Arab-Israeli minors, accusing them of planning terror attacks targeting Israeli security forces. The charges, presented on Thursday at the Central District Court, paint a disturbing picture of teenagers allegedly drawn into violent extremism, showing detailed preparation and intent.

Prosecutors have portrayed the minors as part of a well-organized, emerging terror cell whose actions demonstrate a willingness to harm the nation's defenders at a time of heightened national vulnerability.

Detailed Allegations of Recruitment and Training for Terrorism

According to the indictment, the chilling story began in August of last year when one of the minors was allegedly recruited to orchestrate attacks on Israeli security personnel. Far from a simple plan, the minor is said to have engaged in advanced training sessions on explosive devices, sourced volatile chemicals, and conducted numerous experiments to perfect bomb-making techniques. Authorities allege that this was only the beginning of a meticulously organized attempt to recruit additional members to the cell.

כתב אישום הוגש נגד שני נערים מהמשולש שגויסו כחברי חוליה במטרה לבצע פיגועים נגד גופי ביטחון ישראליים@eli_zil

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In what prosecutors describe as a concerted radicalization effort, the minor successfully recruited at least three other individuals to the group, including another minor. Together, the cell members reportedly watched instructional videos on TikTok and other platforms, demonstrating techniques for bomb-making and planning attacks. They acquired tactical vests and communications devices to facilitate their mission, underscoring the serious intent behind their activities. In a sign of further coordination, the group members adopted “operational code names” to reinforce their commitment to the cell’s goals.

The Cell’s Activities: Secret Meetings and Explosive Preparations

To evade detection, the cell allegedly held clandestine meetings in various undisclosed locations, where they strategized, practiced, and planned their intended attacks. During one meeting, a suspect displayed the chemicals they had procured and briefed the other cell members on their purpose. According to prosecutors, the suspects then attempted to manufacture explosives by combining the chemicals. In one experiment, the chemical mixture ignited and released a significant amount of smoke—a clear indication of the dangers involved and the extreme nature of their intentions.

The Prosecutor’s Office has presented these actions as not merely preparatory steps but as concrete signs of an imminent threat. This evidence suggests a group that was already testing the feasibility of their tactics and honing their skills in anticipation of an actual attack on Israeli security forces.

Charges and the Case for Detention

The indictment is severe, accusing the suspects of contact for the purpose of committing acts of terror, taking and receiving training for terrorist purposes, engaging in armed actions to advance terrorism, and obstructing justice. These accusations go beyond youthful transgression, depicting instead a scenario of calculated malice with an aim to cause real harm.

In addition to the indictment, the State Prosecutor has submitted an urgent request for the minors’ continued detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings, citing the extreme danger they pose to public and state security. Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of their intentions, arguing that the suspects’ “readiness, determination, and boldness” point to a clear willingness to carry out violent acts against the state.

Given that these alleged crimes took place amid Israel’s ongoing “Swords of Iron” operation, which has seen intense conflict across multiple fronts, the court was urged to exercise “extra caution” in evaluating the question of the suspects' continued detention. Prosecutors argue that the ongoing wartime environment exacerbates the potential risks, noting that violent extremists may seek to exploit the current unrest to launch attacks with devastating consequences.

A Grave Warning

The indictment is more than a legal document; it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers Israel faces both on its borders and within its own communities. The State Prosecutor’s Office highlighted that, in times of national crisis, internal threats such as these can have severe consequences for Israel’s overall security. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance and the proactive identification of extremist elements, especially among youth, who may be susceptible to radicalization.

The court’s decision in this case could set a significant precedent for handling cases of alleged terrorism, especially involving minors. As the legal process unfolds, it will shed further light on the factors leading to the radicalization of youth and the steps needed to prevent the spread of violent extremism in the region.