The Israel Police and the Shin Bet (ISA) have announced the conclusion of an extensive investigation regarding two northern residents: a 16-year-old minor and a 19-year-old, suspected of conspiring to commit acts of terror inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). According to security officials, as reported by 'ICE', the two suspects pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization and planned to execute attacks against security personnel in Israel. The case, which was made public on August 28, 2026, began earlier that month with the arrest of the minor, a resident of the Galilee.
According to the investigation's findings, the minor established contact with elements affiliated with the terrorist organization. In addition to pledging allegiance, there is a suspicion that he began consuming online content that included practical instructions for manufacturing explosive belts. The suspect allegedly planned to target police officers and soldiers at the Temple Mount. Several days later, another suspect was arrested: Ibrahim Kaabiya, a 19-year-old resident of Haifa.
He is also suspected of pledging allegiance to ISIS, but unlike the minor, his plans focused on carrying out an attack inside an IDF base located in the north. Upon the conclusion of the joint police and Shin Bet investigation, the evidence was transferred to the Haifa District Attorney's Office. Official sources stated that the prosecution is expected to file criminal indictments against the two for the offenses attributed to them, alongside a request to order their detention behind bars until the end of legal proceedings.
This case highlights the intensive monitoring conducted by Israeli security agencies over citizens exhibiting interest or involvement in the activities of extremist terrorist organizations. The investigation reflects the security establishment's strategy to act decisively against such plots at the early stages, before they come to fruition, particularly when they involve targeting security forces. It is important to emphasize that these are allegations raised during a police investigation and have not yet been decided in court within a full criminal process.
The minor and the young man face legal proceedings where they will have to respond to the charges filed against them. The matter illustrates the security challenges facing law enforcement in dealing with youths exposed to ideological radicalization on the internet.