Israeli security services successfully thwarted a planned bomb attack on the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv, a popular shopping destination, by a group believed to have connections to ISIS. This alarming revelation was made public on Thursday by officials from the Israel Police and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), who detailed the coordinated efforts that led to the prevention of this potentially catastrophic event, according to CNN.
In a joint statement, the police and ISA disclosed that five individuals, all residents of Tayibe-a city located north of Tel Aviv and adjacent to the West Bank-had been meticulously plotting the attack for several weeks. The investigation, which lasted approximately one month, involved undercover operations that ultimately resulted in the arrest of the cell's two leaders, both of whom have established ties to ISIS, underscoring the significant threat posed by their extremist affiliations.
According to reports from the Israel Police, the suspects had aspirations to travel to combat zones controlled by ISIS abroad. Their intent was to forge connections with foreign operatives involved in terrorism, enhancing their capabilities to carry out attacks in Israel. Alarmingly, it was revealed that they had already recruited three additional Israeli residents to join their cause, indicating a disturbing trend of radicalization within the local population.
During the course of the investigation, authorities uncovered evidence that the suspects had been viewing videos of bombings in Syria. They were reportedly engaged in discussions regarding the quantity of explosive material required to cause substantial damage to the iconic Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv. This information highlights the level of planning and intent behind their malicious actions.
The police acted decisively, intervening and arresting the group before their plans could come to fruition. A video shared by the Israel Police depicted soldiers executing the arrest operation, storming a house and apprehending three individuals. At the conclusion of the video, a still image revealed an Uzi machine gun secured in a plastic bag, further illustrating the seriousness of the threat.
It is noteworthy that, as of now, ISIS has not claimed responsibility for this thwarted plot. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in Israel as they work diligently to combat terrorism and safeguard the public from extremist threats.
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