The suspects, who were influenced by Hamas propaganda during Operation Iron Swords, planned to carry out a shooting or ramming attack, conducted surveillance of a military base, and attempted to manufacture explosive devices. The prosecution warns: "They acted with determination to execute a serious attack".
The Central District Attorney's Office filed serious indictments yesterday (Thursday) against two Israeli citizens from the Triangle region for planning a terror attack against IDF soldiers. According to the indictment, the two planned to carry out a shooting or ramming attack, conducted surveillance of a military base, and attempted to manufacture improvised weapons.
The defendants, Rateb Omar (18.5) and Omri Musa (22), are charged with serious offenses including conspiracy to commit murder under aggravating circumstances, preparation for an act of terrorism, training for terrorist purposes, and weapons-related terrorist activities. The indictment was filed at the Central District Court in Lod by Attorney Miri Bitton-Harel from the Central District Attorney's Office.
The Shin Bet investigation revealed that following Operation Iron Swords, Rateb Omar began a process of ideological radicalization and identification with the Hamas terrorist organization. As part of this, he consumed inciting content and extreme propaganda, and even purchased items associated with the organization, including a green bandana, a ring with Islamic inscription, a bulletproof vest, and a toy weapon. Using these items, he filmed videos supporting the terrorist organization.
Within a short time, Rateb shared the extremist content with his relative Omri Musa, and the two began planning a terror attack. The original plan, according to the investigation, included a shooting attack on a soldiers' bus near the town of Zemer. Later, following Omri's suggestion, the two considered moving the target to Netanya.
As part of the attack preparations, the two carried out several preliminary actions:
– Conducted surveillance of a military base in their residential area
– Documented the base in videos
– Exchanged information about weapon acquisition possibilities
– Attempted to manufacture improvised weapons
When they encountered difficulties in financing weapon purchases, the two examined additional alternatives, including a ramming attack, throwing Molotov cocktails, or using explosive devices. Rateb even attempted to prepare an improvised explosive device based on instructional videos from the internet, and when he failed, approached Omri for assistance. During his attempts, Rateb succeeded in manufacturing a Molotov cocktail and conducted an ignition test near his home.
In the detention request until the end of proceedings filed by the prosecution, it was written: "These are Israeli citizens who adopted an extreme ideology and acted systematically with the aim of harming as many IDF soldiers as possible. Their actions indicate high danger levels and their commitment to carrying out a serious attack".
The investigation, which included extensive collection of digital evidence, visual documentation, and confessions, revealed the scope of activity and determination of the two to realize their plans. Security forces continue a comprehensive investigation to locate additional involved parties and prevent similar attempts in the future.
The case highlights the complex challenges facing the security system in dealing with the phenomenon of radicalization among Israeli citizens, and the importance of continuous intelligence and operational activity to prevent terror attacks. The case is currently being handled by the judicial system, with the prosecution requesting the defendants' detention until the end of legal proceedings against them.
Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit
