Israeli Academic Charged with a Disturbing Plan to Attack Palestinians
On October 8, 2026, Israeli authorities revealed shocking details regarding an academic who allegedly devised plans for a series of violent attacks aimed at killing hundreds of Palestinians across various regions, including the territories known as '48, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. The accused, Professor Shahar Nivoh, a mathematics lecturer at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, has been indicted for his involvement in this extremist plan, which reportedly sought to recruit dozens of Israelis to participate in these attacks. The indictment was formally presented by the Israeli prosecution in the Central District Court in Lod.
A Detailed Scheme to Commit Mass Violence
Professor Nivoh, who is approximately 60 years old, faces charges that include preparing for acts of terrorism, extortion through threats, and obstructing justice. The prosecution's statement indicates that Nivoh harbored nationalistic and ideological motives, having spent years planning a violent scheme targeting hundreds of Arab citizens, including women and children, within Israel's borders, as well as Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. He dubbed his operation "Ait," an acronym in Hebrew meaning "the people will carry out the expulsion."
The indictment outlines that in the wake of the recent conflict known as the "Iron Swords War," which involved intense military actions in Gaza, Nivoh decided to orchestrate multiple synchronized terrorist acts aimed at causing mass casualties among Arab citizens. The plan also included the forced displacement of these individuals to Jordan, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip. Over a span exceeding three years, from February 2023 until his arrest two weeks ago, Nivoh meticulously structured his operational blueprint.
According to the charges, Nivoh undertook various preparatory actions, including conducting reconnaissance trips, drafting documents detailing the execution and justification of the plan, and attempting to recruit activists for the anticipated attacks. In total, 72 individuals were expected to participate, with at least half of them possessing firearms licenses, while Nivoh himself was among the participants.
The planned operations were to be executed by 12 cells, each comprising six members equipped with an array of weapons, including pistols, rifles, axes, and hammers. These groups were tasked with launching surprise attacks on mixed cities and towns throughout Israel.
This revelation has instilled significant fear among Palestinians living in Israel, prompting emergency meetings among various Arab community organizations. The Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens in Israel and the National Committee of Arab Local Authorities convened to address the situation, advocating for full transparency surrounding the allegations against Nivoh. The meetings concluded with a series of resolutions aimed at pursuing the case on judicial, political, and societal levels.
Judicial action will involve monitoring the trial proceedings closely to ensure public scrutiny, and a coordinated effort with the Haifa-based Adalah legal center will aim to push for investigations into racial incitement and to hold responsible parties accountable. Participants in the meeting expressed that this incident underscores the dangerous transition from incitement to actual heinous crimes, calling for comprehensive investigations and the establishment of an independent inquiry committee to address any potential misconduct during the investigation.
As reported by alghad.com.
