An 18-year-old resident of northern Israel was indicted Monday for allegedly joining Hamas, trying to purchase an M-16 rifle, and planning to carry out a terrorist attack against an Israeli town near his home, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police said in a joint statement.
The suspect, named by authorities as Yousef Ghazawi, a resident of Ibillin in northern Israel, was arrested recently during a joint operation by the Galilee unit for fighting crime in the Israel Police's Northern District and the Shin Bet.
According to the investigation, Ghazawi planned to carry out an attack against an Israeli town located near his place of residence.
Investigators found that Ghazawi had studied and searched for material related to weapons use and the preparation of explosive devices, and had also attempted to acquire weapons, police and the Shin Bet said.
During the investigation, security forces found various types of ammunition that Ghazawi had allegedly hidden in his home.
Suspect allegedly sought to act for Hamas
The investigation also found that Ghazawi supported the activities of the Hamas terrorist organization and sought to carry out missions and attacks on its behalf, according to the joint statement.
Attorney Daniel Koplev of the Haifa District Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, filed an indictment Monday morning at the Haifa District Court. Prosecutors also requested that authorities keep Ghazawi in custody until the end of legal proceedings.
The Shin Bet and Israel Police said they viewed with "great severity" the phenomenon of Israeli citizens seeking to act on behalf of terrorist organizations against Israelis.
"The Shin Bet and Israel Police will continue to act decisively in order to thwart any activity against the State of Israel," the statement said.
Security agencies warn of Israeli citizens recruited to terror activity
The indictment came amid heightened concern within Israel's security establishment over Israeli citizens allegedly seeking to carry out attacks or assist terrorist organizations.
In March 2025, the Shin Bet and Israel Police announced that they had thwarted a Hamas-affiliated car-ramming plot allegedly planned by a resident of Kafr Kana. In November 2025, the Shin Bet said it had uncovered a Hamas-directed weapons and funds network involving Israeli citizens from Kafr Kassem and Rahat. That same month, authorities also announced the arrest of an Israeli citizen in an ISIS-inspired terror plot.
Security officials have repeatedly warned that the spread of online incitement, access to illegal weapons, and attempts by terrorist organizations to recruit Israeli citizens have created a growing challenge for police and intelligence agencies, particularly since the October 7 massacre and the war in Gaza.
The latest case also came one day after a deadly shooting attack in central Israel, in which a gunman opened fire in several locations in and around Kochav Yair. Hamas praised the attack, though it did not claim responsibility.