Gang in Yerushalayim Arrested for Planning Terror Attack, Joining IS

Yerushalayim prosecutors on Friday filed charges against seven Arabs who were planning a major terror attack. The seven had participated in riots and rock-throwing, and had previously been arrested on charges in those incidents. The seven are charged with connecting to foreign terror groups, conspiracy to commit terror attacks, arms smuggling and dealing, and other related charges.

Several of the group also tried to join Islamic State, according to the charges. They held weekly meetings to discuss the terror group’s ideology, where they would view videos and materials authored by the group, studying its purpose, strategy and tactics. They also discussed methods of reaching Syria, where they could get training from the terror group.

Last August, one member of the group, Alrahman Abu-Tir, flew to Europe and from there sought to journey to the Syrian border in Turkey. However, the guide he tried to hire to take him wanted $2,000 for the trip, and Abu-Tir did not have the money. Last month he tried again, this time equipped with $3,200 in cash, but as he tried to leave Israel he was arrested by authorities at Ben Gurion Airport, the indictment said.

The Shin Bet and Israel Police conducted the investigation. They requested from the court that the terrorists be detained until proceedings against them were completed.