Northern District police thwarted an attack by a terrorist cell just minutes before it attempted to carry out an attack by throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles on Route 85.
On Wednesday morning, charges were brought against those involved following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet (Israeli domestic intelligence service) and the Northern District Central Unit.
The incident occurred about two weeks ago as part of ongoing efforts to secure strategic points and major roads in northern Israel. At around 4:30 a.m., police noticed two minors dressed in black holding a specific object in a parking lot near the Gilon junction.
When investigating the cell, officers found that the two had prepared several Molotov cocktails filled with fuel. In addition, evidence was found at the scene that raised officers’ suspicions that the two were planning to throw Molotov cocktails at passing vehicles on Route 85 for nationalist motives. The two were arrested and transferred for a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Central Unit.
Suspects wanted to set forest fire
The investigation revealed that the cell arrived at a gas station near their residence at night, where they filled a can of gasoline. They then rode electric bicycles to a parking lot near Gilon Junction and began preparing the Molotov cocktails. They documented their actions on a phone they had with them.
The investigation also revealed that the two men intended to throw the Molotov cocktails at vehicles passing near Gilon Junction, claiming that the targeted vehicles belonged to Jewish residents.
In addition, the suspects had equipped themselves with a charcoal lighter with which they wanted to set fire to the nearby Gilon Forest – also for nationalist reasons.
Following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the police, charges were brought against the two suspects on Wednesday morning before the Haifa District Court.
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