Israeli prosecutors allege that an Arab man residing in Cyprus, described as an operational member of Hamas, was the mastermind behind a major planned terrorist attack in Israel, according to an indictment filed in the country.
The man is alleged to have directed two individuals who were arrested in Israel.
According to the indictment, the two suspects, identified as H.G. and A.R.H., both 21 and residents of East Jerusalem, planned to throw an explosive device at IDF soldiers at the Anatot military base, just outside Jerusalem, in the Judean Desert area.
Israeli authorities state that, as part of their preparations, the two watched instructional videos on how to build explosive devices, while one of them allegedly began assembling a bomb.
The reference to Cyprus concerns a relative of H.G. According to the indictment, the 21‑year‑old made contact with his relative living in Cyprus, who is described as an operational Hamas operative. Prosecutors claim that H.G. carried out intelligence‑gathering missions in Israel on behalf of his contact in Cyprus, photographing locations and transmitting information on military checkpoints, as well as on a hotel in Jerusalem where he was employed.
According to the charges, H.G. also allegedly passed on information about a group of Israeli Air Force cadets who were due to stay at the hotel, including dates of stay and room numbers.
Prosecutors further allege that the Cyprus‑based contact asked H.G. whether he would assist if a suicide bomber were sent to the hotel. The defendant is said to have replied that he was willing to carry out an attack himself but needed more preparation time.
H.G. is charged, among other offences, with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act with intent to murder under aggravating circumstances, contact with a foreign agent, attempted transmission of information to the enemy, and weapons offences for terrorist purposes.
A.R.H. is charged with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act with intent to murder under aggravating circumstances.
The prosecution has requested that both defendants remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Source: CNA
