Israeli math professor indicted for scheme to massacre Palestinians and force mass expulsions
A Bar-Ilan University mathematics lecturer has been charged with planning coordinated attacks aimed at killing hundreds of Palestinians and driving them from their homes.
Israeli prosecutors have indicted a mathematics lecturer from Bar-Ilan University, accused of formulating a comprehensive plan to murder hundreds of Palestinian citizens and residents and to expel them from Israel and the occupied territories. The indictment describes a structure of 12 cells, each with six members, armed with guns, axes and hammers, targeting Arab towns, Bedouin settlements such as Tuba-Zangariyye, and Palestinian populations in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The alleged objective was to create fear, cause mass deaths and compel Palestinians to flee toward Jordan, Lebanon or the Gaza Strip, a scheme the lecturer called “AIT.” He allegedly began drafting the plan in February 2023, intensified it after the October 7 attacks, and attempted to recruit far-right Zehut leader Moshe Feiglin, threatening to expose him when he declined. The professor, whose identity is protected by a court gag order, has been suspended by Bar-Ilan University and seeks release to house arrest, while prosecutors argue he remains a danger. The case emerges amid a surge in settler-linked violence and accusations that the Israeli government supports such attacks.
Why it matters
The indictment highlights a serious extremist threat and rising far-right violence against Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights the alleged mass-murder and expulsion plot against Palestinians, while right-leaning coverage centers on a political leader’s report of threats and praise for police action.
LEFT
Frames the lecturer’s indictment as a horrific scheme to murder and expel Palestinians.
RIGHT
Frames the story around a political leader reporting threats and commending law-enforcement response.
The left emphasises
- scheme to murder hundreds of Palestinian citizens and residents
- create fear, cause mass deaths and compel Palestinians to flee
- the plan was called “AIT”
The right emphasises
- Feiglin reported extortion letters and threats from the lecturer
- thanked law-enforcement authorities for swift and determined action
- called for the full severity of the law against the perpetrators
How this story developed
- Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
- Sep 23 Israel's Central Elections Committee barred the Joint List from the upcoming Knesset election, prompting the alliance to label the move racist and vow a Supreme Court appeal.
- Sep 23 The checkpoint’s security personnel have been reinforced and an investigation launched.
- Sep 24 The electoral commission has acted on two Arab party lists.
- Sep 27 Netanyahu publicly urged right‑wing parties to merge ahead of the election.
- Sep 28 A six‑storey apartment block collapsed, killing 21 people and prompting a lengthy rescue effort.
- Sep 28 Ed Miliband told the Labour conference that the UK will act on Palestine, backing sanctions on Israeli settlements and supporting a two-state solution.
- Sep 29 Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the raid.
- Sep 30 Herzog’s flag-lowering ceremony coincided with the national day of remembrance for the Oct 7 massacre, which claimed about 1,200 lives and sparked the Swords of Iron conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to attend back-to-back state services on Mount Herzl honoring fallen soldiers and terror victims. The Israel Defense Forces held a minute of silence at Zikim base, where Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reflected on the tragedy and the military’s response. Later, Herzog will host a “Salon Otef” discussion featuring Omri Miran, who was released from Hamas captivity in 2025.
- Oct 2 The Central Elections Committee voted 18-5 to bar the United Arab List and the Joint List from the ballot.
- Oct 2 Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy following the court's indication it may approve a disqualification petition.
- Oct 3 Miliband pledged comprehensive sanctions and a ban on imports and services that support Israeli settlements.
- Oct 5 Controlled viewings of the graphic documentary have been held for journalists, diplomats and Hollywood executives.
- Oct 5 Australian officials condemned planned pro‑Palestine vigils ahead of the anniversary.
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