JERUSALEM (JTA) — Seven Israeli Arabs were arrested for allegedly planning terror attacks and planning to kidnap Israeli soldiers.
Five men aged 19 to 21, as well as two minors, were charged Thursday by the Haifa District Prosecutor’s office, according to Israeli news reports. They are all residents of two northern Israeli-Arab villages. The media have been under a gag order about the recent arrests.
They are charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, contacting a foreign agent, conspiracy and multiple weapons charges.
During a search of homes of the accused, several bombs ready for use were discovered, as were computer files and other evidence. The suspects also allegedly practiced kidnapping soldiers. Police said they were arrested shortly before carrying out their plot.
One of the young men charged is the son of a Bedouin army veteran who served for 18 years.
In recent years, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians from East Jerusalem with Israeli identity cards have been arrested for perpetrating or planning terrorist attacks throughout the country.
