Israel: Terrorist plot targeting Temple Mount thwarted

Event

On Thursday, September 28, Israeli authorities announced that a terrorist attack planned to be carried out at Temple Mount had been foiled earlier in in the month. The two Arab-Israelis suspected of plotting the attack and having ties to the Islamic State (IS) were arrested in a joint operation carried out by the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency, and the police.

Context

The foiled attack plan is thought to be similar to the shooting attack that occurred in July at the Al-Aqsa mosque at Temple Mount, which resulted in the deaths of two security guards. The July attack sparked a wave of violent unrest in the region after increased security measures were implemented at the holy site.

Temple Mount, known to Muslims as Haram Al-Sharif or the "Noble Sanctuary," is one of the most important religious sites in the world. It houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, among other important Islamic sites, as well as the Foundation Stone and the exterior Western Wall, of significant importance in Judaism.

Advice

Due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers to Israel are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.