The Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office filed serious indictments Sunday against Majed Halaileh (31), Mohammed Sabah (22), Omar Abu Al-Amal (26), and a 16-year-old minor for operating a terror cell inspired by ISIS. The suspects were arrested after planning a series of deadly attacks on civilian and security targets using explosives, firearms, and vehicle rammings. Prosecutors requested the suspects be held in custody until the end of legal proceedings.
According to the indictments, cell members were exposed to ISIS’s extremist content, including graphic violence videos and detailed bomb-making tutorials. Following exposure to this material, the suspects developed deep identification with the organization—some formally joining and working to recruit additional members. The cell held regular meetings where they studied attack methods, watched ISIS content, and planned various attack scenarios in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria.
The investigation revealed the suspects marked specific targets for attacks, including the Damascus Gate area in Jerusalem and the settlement of Kiryat Arba. As part of their preparations, some suspects received hands-on training in bomb-making, gathered intelligence on potential targets, and even surveyed security infrastructure on the ground to identify vulnerabilities. Cell members also planned to conduct military-style training and studied the use of combat weapons to ensure the success of their murderous plan.
The suspects face serious security charges including membership in a terrorist organization, recruiting members to a terrorist organization, preparation and conspiracy to commit an act of terror, and conspiracy to commit murder under aggravating circumstances. The cell’s exposure highlights the danger posed by local cells adopting ISIS ideology and operating independently to advance deadly attacks in the heart of Israel.