Israeli lecturer indicted for planning mass terror attack against Palestinians, Arab Israelis

An Israeli mathematics lecturer has been indicted for allegedly planning mass terror attacks targeting hundreds of Palestinians and Arab Israelis. The indictment, filed by the State Attorney's Office, charges the individual with preparing acts of terrorism, extortion by threats, and obstructing justice. The suspect, a resident of Petah Tikva in his 60s, faces trial in the Central District Court in Lod. His identity remains confidential due to a court-imposed publication ban. The prosecution alleges the defendant devised a plan known as AY”T, a Hebrew acronym meaning "Am ya’aseh transfer," or "The people will carry out transfer." According to the indictment, this plan aimed at forcing mass transfers of Palestinians and Arab Israelis through coordinated attacks. The scheme reportedly began taking shape in early February 2023 and was influenced by the May 2021 riots during Operation Guardian of the Walls and later intensified after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War, referred to as Operation Swords of Iron. The alleged strategy involved activating 72 Jewish attackers, including the defendant, divided into 12 cells of six individuals each. These groups were to be equipped with a range of weapons such as handguns, rifles, axes, and hammers. The targets included mixed cities, Arab communities, and specific locations like Tuba-Zanghariya, a Bedouin town near Safed in the north. The indictment claims the attacker conducted reconnaissance tours in these areas to assess potential access points and attack routes. The plan also suggested coordination with subversive elements within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including the involvement of the Israeli Air Force, Artillery Corps, and Armored Corps in bombarding Arab population centers. The indictment outlines instructions for members of the public to participate in mass killings and seize control of critical areas, emphasizing the need to avoid showing mercy to women and children. The defendant attempted to recruit supporters for nearly a year and a half, with particular interest in recruiting Moshe Feiglin, the chairman of the Zehut party. Despite attending Feiglin’s public events and attempting to arrange meetings, the defendant's efforts went unheeded. The indictment suggests the defendant sent a threatening letter to Feiglin, warning of potential harm to his public image if cooperation was not forthcoming. The indictment highlights the defendant's intent to amplify the impact of the attacks through real-time social media coverage, aiming to instill widespread fear and panic. This, it is claimed, would lead to the displacement of Arab citizens of Israel, including Bedouins, and Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, toward Jordan, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress, with the defendant currently held in custody pending further investigation and trial.