A major terror attack was averted when security forces apprehended a 16-year-old Palestinian high school student from the central city of Taiba on suspicion of planning an imminent terror attack, Channel 12 reported Wednesday

The suspect was taken into custody by Central District Police following precise intelligence provided by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), which indicated that the teenager had recently joined the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organization and acquired weaponry.

During a search of the suspect’s home, police discovered weapons, communications equipment, and additional evidence tying him to the planned attack. Investigators also obtained video documentation of the teenager conducting a test firing with a recently acquired rifle and pistol. Authorities assess that the suspect recorded the footage to publish on social media as part of a “martyrdom” video to glorify his planned actions.

Security officials note that the teenager underwent a rapid process of radicalization in recent weeks, ultimately establishing contact with Islamic Jihad terrorists based in the Nur Shams camp.

During his interrogation, the suspect openly detailed his motives and extremist ideology. When asked why he decided to pursue terrorism, he explained that his goal was to join the terror network to fight the IDF and avenge a friend who had been killed.

“I wanted to be a martyr for him,” the suspect stated. “They provided me with a weapon and a headband, they told me that everything was free, everything was for the sake of Allah.”
A transcript released from the interrogation further highlights the suspect’s intentions:

Interrogator: “You knew it was a terrorist organization, why did you want to join?”
Suspect: “For the sake of Allah.”
Interrogator: “What was your goal?”
Suspect: “To fight the occupation and carry out an attack as quickly as possible. I planned to join the battalion, fighting the Israeli army there.”

Superintendent Ohad Goldberg, commander of the Crime Suppression Unit in the Sharon region, emphasized the severe threat posed by the teenager.

“He acted with determination, admitted that he planned a murderous attack, and the arrest prevented a major disaster,” Supt. Goldberg stated. “This is a young man who established contacts with terrorist elements, obtained the necessary funding, and purchased a deadly weapon. The fact that he filmed himself conducting a weapons test indicates a real intention and proximity to execution. This arrest is the thwarting of a ticking bomb.”

Due to the severe level of danger posed by the suspect and the ongoing nature of the investigation, the Minister of Defense has signed an administrative detention order, keeping the teenager firmly behind bars.