A man of Arab origin residing in Cyprus and alleged to be an operational member of Hamas was the mastermind behind a major planned terrorist attack in Israel, according to an indictment filed by Israeli prosecutors.
Israeli authorities allege that the suspect directed two men who were later arrested in Israel as part of the investigation.
According to the indictment, the two suspects, both 21-year-old residents of East Jerusalem, planned to launch an explosive device attack against Israeli soldiers at the Anatot military base, located near Jerusalem in the Judean Desert area.
Investigators claim that, as part of their preparations, the two men watched instructional videos on how to build explosive devices, while one of them allegedly began assembling a bomb.
Cyprus connection
The Cyprus link centres on a relative of one of the suspects.
According to prosecutors, the 21-year-old established contact with a relative living in Cyprus who is alleged to be an operational Hamas member. Israeli authorities claim that the suspect carried out intelligence-gathering assignments on behalf of the Cyprus-based contact, photographing locations and collecting information on military checkpoints, as well as a hotel in Jerusalem where he worked.
Prosecutors further allege that he provided details about a group of Israeli Air Force cadets who were due to stay at the hotel, including their arrival dates and room numbers.
According to the indictment, the alleged Hamas operative in Cyprus asked whether the suspect would assist if a suicide bomber were sent to the hotel. Prosecutors claim the suspect replied that he would be willing to carry out an attack himself but required additional preparation time.
Charges
The first suspect faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a terrorist act with intent to murder under aggravated circumstances, contact with a foreign agent, attempted transmission of information to the enemy and weapons-related offences for terrorist purposes.
The second suspect is charged with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act with intent to murder under aggravated circumstances.
Israeli prosecutors have requested that both men remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
Also read: Crete arrest links Hamas suspect to Cyprus investigations
