Four Israeli Citizens Arrested in Anti-IDF Terror Plot

URGENT UPDATE: Four Israeli citizens were arrested in the northern city of Karmiel on suspicion of plotting a terror attack against Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops. The Shin Bet and Israel Police confirmed these arrests in a joint statement released on Monday, revealing that the suspects, all Arab-Israelis, were detained within the last few weeks.

The suspects have been identified as Ahmad Sarhan, 19, and Muhammad Khalil, 18, while the other two individuals are minors and cannot be named due to their age. Authorities reported that one suspect had previously expressed support for the Islamic State, raising alarm over their intentions. The group allegedly undertook firearms training as they planned “serious action against security forces,” according to police sources.

As part of the investigation, police recovered a handgun from one suspect’s home, underscoring the seriousness of the threat. All four individuals are expected to face indictment in the coming days.

These arrests follow a string of high-profile cases involving Israeli citizens linked to alleged terror and espionage activities. Just last month, two men in their twenties were detained for allegedly spying for Iran, reportedly receiving payments for espionage acts. Investigators believe they were in direct contact with Iranian intelligence operatives, tracing several transactions to digital wallets controlled by the suspects.

In another alarming case, Elimelech Stern, a 22-year-old yeshiva student from Beit Shemesh, was sentenced to three years in prison for espionage, motivated by financial gain rather than ideology. The court noted his involvement in multiple operations for Tehran.

Earlier this year, an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of following Iranian orders to gather intelligence on the security detail of former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. This suspect was taken into custody in April 2025 for national security offences after allegedly surveilling the Meir Medical Centre in Kfar Saba during Bennett’s medical procedure.

The ongoing pattern of arrests highlights a troubling trend of internal threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance in national security. As investigations continue, the public remains on high alert regarding potential risks from within.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. For ongoing coverage of Israel news, click here to subscribe to our free Israel Briefing newsletter.