B’chasdei Hashem, terrorists planning to attack in the Jerusalem district were apprehended due to the joint efforts of the Shin Bet and Israel Police. The suspect in custody is affiliated with ‘Shabav al-Aqsa’ and the organization planned to strike out against security authorities and visitors to Har Habayis.

Shabav al-Aqsa is on Israel’s terror list as its members are aligned with Hamas and work to limit visits to Har Habayis by non-Muslims using violence as a means to this end. They often create disturbances hoping police will shut the site down.

In October 2016, a policeman and female civilian were murdered in an attack carried out by a member of Shabav al-Aqsa in the French Hill area. The ongoing investigation led to the arrest of Mahmud Abed el-Wahab Said Abed el-Latif, a resident of Jerusalem and active in the organization. He allegedly worked to enlist additional members into the terror organization.

This arrest led to additional arrests. The Jerusalem district prosecutor has filed criminal indictments against five individuals, all affiliated with the terror organization, all for terrorist related acts. Details of some indictments and particulars in the case are prohibited from publication due to a gag order on the case.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)