Israeli prosecution has indicted five Israeli men from the Arab city of Taibeh for plotting to blow up iconic Tel Aviv towers with a car bomb in an ISIS-inspired attack. The men, including Sajed Masarwa, Abdullah Baransi, Abed al-Karim Baransi, Mahmoud Azzam, and Ibrahim Sheikh Youssef, allegedly joined ISIS and carried out actions in its name since October 2024. They watched ISIS posts, expressed support, and discussed creating explosive devices.
Sheikh Youssef planned the attack after a political statement about building a synagogue on Temple Mount. The group aimed to carry out shooting attacks, planned a car bomb attack on the Tel Aviv towers, and discussed filming a claim of responsibility in the name of ISIS. The prosecution is seeking custody for the suspects, citing their extreme ideology and violent intentions. Defense attorneys claim the plan was a wish, not a realistic threat.
In separate conversations, Azzam and Sheikh Youssef discussed building an explosive device with 150-200 kilograms of material. The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals radicalized by ISIS ideology.
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