Terrorist cell planned to attack MK Ben-Gvir

Plotters busted by Shin Bet

A Hamas terrorist cell in east Jerusalem that planned to attack Religious Zionist Party MK Itamar Ben-Gvir and other Israeli targets was thwarted by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). The five cell members were indicted in a Jerusalem court on Tuesday, more than a month after their arrest.

The cell was led by Rashid Rashek, a prominent Hamas operative in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Shin Bet said. Along with Hamas operative Mansour Tzafadi, from Abu Tor in southeastern Jerusalem, he planned a shooting attack or suicide bombing in the capital, it said.

According to the Shin Bet’s investigation, Rashek recruited a number of operatives in Jerusalem who would riot in the city’s eastern neighborhoods as well as on the Temple Mount during Ramadan “to destabilize the Temple Mount and Jerusalem.” The operatives brought fireworks, Hamas flags and other paraphernalia to use during the riots.

Among other attacks, the cell planned to shoot public figures, including Ben-Gvir. They also planned to build improvised explosive devices, launch bombing attacks and kidnap soldiers.

The suspects purchased a drone that they planned to arm and use to attack the light rail in Jerusalem. The drone, along with a camera to photograph hostages, was seized by security forces along with funds and other equipment.

The cell members planned to flee to Hebron or Jenin after their attacks.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet and the Israel Police said they would “continue to

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