British authorities have increased the national terrorism threat level to “severe” following the stabbing attack targeting Jews in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, signaling that officials believe another attack is highly likely in the near future.

The upgrade was determined by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, the body responsible for independently assessing the country’s threat status. A “severe” level means that the risk of a terrorist incident in the coming months is considered high.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the decision, stating, “Today, the national threat level has increased to ‘severe’, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.”

A government statement said the change followed the Golders Green stabbing, while emphasizing that the move reflects a broader upward trend in threats rather than a reaction to a single incident. Officials pointed to increased activity from Islamist and far-right extremists, including individuals and small cells operating within the country.

Authorities also warned about growing concern over threats linked to foreign actors that are encouraging violence, including attacks directed at Jewish communities.

Mahmood acknowledged the anxiety the decision may cause, particularly among Jews in Britain, saying the raised level “will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much”.

She added that the government “will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism”.

“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police,” she stated.

The stabbing in Golders Green, in which two Orthodox Jewish men were seriously injured, has been officially classified as a terrorist attack by counter-terrorism police.

Investigators identified the suspect as a 45-year-old British citizen born in Somalia, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. After receiving treatment in a hospital, he was taken to a London police station, where he remains in custody. Police are also searching a residence in southeast London and examining another incident believed to be connected.

The victims were named as Shilome Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76. Both were initially listed in serious condition but are now reported to be stable following treatment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is taking urgent steps in response to rising antisemitism, describing the attack as part of a continuing pattern targeting Jews.

“Yesterday’s terror attack wasn’t an isolated incident,” Starmer said. “It was the latest attack on the Jewish community for being Jewish.”

Starmer said he spoke with volunteer responders from Shomrim and Hatzola, commending their response to the attack. He added that additional funding has been directed toward increased police patrols and security, along with efforts to fast-track legislation addressing hostile state threats.

“My message to Jewish people is this: you belong here, and we will do everything we can to keep you safe,” he said.

The attack comes amid a broader surge in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom, including recent arson attacks and acts of vandalism targeting Jewish institutions.

An Iran-linked group calling itself Ashab Al-Yamim has claimed responsibility for the stabbing.

Officials in Israel also raised concerns about the situation. Immigration Minister Ofir Sofer warned that security for Jews in the UK is worsening and criticized what he described as an inadequate response by British authorities.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the recent wave of attacks shows the situation is not under control and urged the UK government to take stronger action to combat antisemitism.

The developments have led to heightened security measures at Jewish sites across Britain as authorities respond to the elevated threat level.

{Matzav.com}