A mathematics professor at Bar-Ilan University has been charged with planning attacks on Arab towns and villages, allegedly aiming to kill hundreds of people. He has been in custody since September 17 and is seeking house arrest. The allegations have not yet been tested in court.
According to the indictment, the lecturer planned to recruit 71 additional people, divide them into 12 cells and launch simultaneous attacks on mixed cities and Arab and Bedouin communities in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Prosecutors allege the aim was to kill hundreds and force people to leave Israel. The investigation began after information reached the Shin Bet security service and was later handled by a central police unit.
Prosecutors have asked that the professor remain in custody through the proceedings. His defense is seeking house arrest, arguing that he poses no danger. The roughly 60-year-old defendant told the court that his life had changed and that he needed to grade exams.
Students described the lecturer as withdrawn and harsh in his dealings with them, while saying he did not discuss politics in class. Those descriptions do not establish the charges. Bar-Ilan’s student association urged respect for the presumption of innocence and said the court should determine the facts. The university said it would suspend the lecturer until the proceedings end and condemned the conduct alleged in the indictment.