In a chilling reminder of the ever-present threats lurking within, Israeli security forces have thwarted a potentially catastrophic terrorist attack planned by a radicalized Israeli Arab teen. The 17-year-old suspect, a resident of Jisr az-Zarqa, was arrested following a joint operation by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) after swearing allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) and preparing for a large-scale assault in the Sharon region of central Israel.
A Homegrown Terrorist Threat
During an intensive investigation, security personnel uncovered a trove of materials in the suspect’s possession, including detailed documents and manuals instructing on the manufacturing of explosives and deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The nature and scope of the material suggested not only intent but active preparation for an imminent attack designed to claim innocent lives.
The police and the Shin Bet arrested a 17-year-old from Jisr az-Zarqa earlier this month on suspicion that he had pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out terrorist activity in Israel. Documents dealing with the production of explosives and charges were also found ....
— Ephraim Dovid (@EphyDude613) March 30, 2025
The arrest was made possible due to precise intelligence-gathering and rapid tactical deployment, underscoring the vigilance of Israel’s security forces in preempting threats before they can materialize.
Indictment Filed, Authorities Request Detention Until Trial
Following the investigation, the Haifa District Attorney’s Office filed a severe indictment against the suspect. Prosecutors also submitted a formal request to the court to keep the suspect in custody until the end of the legal proceedings, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing threat posed by the teenager.
Security Officials: Zero Tolerance for Domestic Terrorism
In statements released following the arrest, both police and Shin Bet officials issued stern warnings to those contemplating terrorism:
Senior Israel Police Official:
“The Israel Police, in full coordination with the Shin Bet, will continue to operate with zero tolerance and uncompromising determination against all who seek to harm Israeli citizens. This arrest is the result of first-class intelligence work and rapid operational action. Anyone who chooses the path of terror will be found, apprehended, and brought to justice without hesitation.”
Permission to publish: About a month ago, police and Shin Bet arrested a 17-year-old Israeli Arab resident of Jisr al-Zarqa who had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was planning to carry out an attack in Sharon. pic.twitter.com/mYXB7Qexgt
— ✡Haber İsrael News✡🇮🇱🎗️ (@ShemaNews) March 30, 2025
Senior Shin Bet Official:
“This case is part of a worrying pattern of Israeli citizens becoming involved in terrorism and espionage. The involvement of a minor in such a sophisticated and dangerous plot is especially disturbing. The security establishment will act with full force against anyone who betrays the state and threatens the safety of its citizens.”
Domestic terrorist with an ISIS flags shows off a sign depicting an atomic bomb on top of Israel calling for “The Final Solution.”
— The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) March 28, 2025
This. Was. Never. About. Land.
pic.twitter.com/BBFvlf9vql
Rising Threat from Radicalized Youths
The incident highlights the disturbing phenomenon of homegrown radicalization among Israeli Arabs, particularly youth who are being influenced by global jihadist ideologies such as those espoused by ISIS. While the majority of Arab citizens live peacefully in Israel, a small but dangerous minority are being seduced by extremist propaganda and becoming willing operatives in violent terror schemes.
The swift action of the Israel Police and Shin Bet likely prevented mass casualties, and the case now moves into the judicial system where the full weight of Israeli law will be brought down on the suspect.
