A Kuwaiti man who tried to enter Israel’s embassy in London carrying two knives and a handwritten “martyrdom note” has been sentenced to life in prison. Abdullah Albadri, 34, received a minimum term of 20 years at the Old Bailey on Monday, October 5, following his conviction for preparing an act of terrorism.

The attempted breach took place shortly before 6 p.m. on April 28, 2025. Albadri arrived with a scarf covering his head and face and sunglasses concealing his appearance, then began climbing the embassy’s perimeter fence. Armed diplomatic protection officers pulled him down within seconds, stopping him before he could enter the grounds. A search uncovered two knives in his clothing.

Investigators subsequently uncovered evidence of advance preparation. His phone showed searches for the embassy’s location, alongside Arabic-language searches relating to suicide and martyrdom. Police said the note he carried expressed an intention to die, while body-camera footage recorded him acknowledging that he had weapons and wanted to commit a crime inside the embassy. Detectives concluded that he sought revenge for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

According to Reuters, prosecutors told the court that Albadri first reached Britain by small boat in 2021, later withdrew his application to remain and apparently left the country. He returned through Dover on April 12, 2025, and again sought asylum. Prosecutors said messages on his phone indicated that his claim was rejected on April 24—four days before the attempted attack.

The prosecution’s case centered on his intentions: the embassy was deliberately chosen as a target representing Israel, and his preparations demonstrated a plan to use violence to exert political pressure. The jury accepted that argument, convicting him of preparing terrorist acts and two offenses involving possession of a bladed article.

London counterterrorism chief Helen Flanagan praised the officers who stopped him, saying the sentence reflected both the danger he posed and his lack of remorse. She also said police continue reviewing security arrangements with the embassy, which has faced other security alerts.