The Israel Police arrested an Arab Israeli from Jerusalem’s Old City after his mother said he intended to carry out a terrorist attack in the near future, the Jerusalem District Police reported Tuesday.
The suspect, in his 20s, was arrested in a store near Lions’ Gate, the police said, adding that a few days earlier, he had sent a message to his sister in which he said: “I am going to carry out an attack... I have repented now, and I am praying in al-Aqsa Mosque.”
The Israel Police Arabic Facebook page uploaded a screenshot of the message, which also said his mother had mistreated him and kicked him out of his home.
The message read: “Good morning, how are you? Tell my mother [that] I am going to carry out an attack and hurt all of you; I swear to Allah that I will destroy all of you. By Allah, I will do it.”
Indictment filed
An indictment was filed against him, and a court extended his detention until the end of legal proceedings.
“The arrest of this individual serves as a critical example of our proactive law enforcement and commitment to protecting the public,” Israel Police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne told The Jerusalem Post. “The Israel Police acted swiftly in response to the threat posed by the suspect and his disturbing messages, ensuring that potential harm to the public was averted.
“In this instance, the suspect’s mother played a key role by reporting the threat, which enabled our officers to take immediate action. While the Israel Police are always actively monitoring and responding to potential threats, early intervention from the public, as seen here, can be crucial in preventing tragic events.
“We encourage families and communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or threats, as such cooperation strengthens our efforts to ensure the safety of all,” Elsdunne said.
The Israel Police wrote in a post on Facebook: “The police will continue to use all available means to confront any threat to the security of the citizens of Israel.”