Shin Bet, police bust east Jerusalem terror cell headed by PFLP terrorist in France

Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency have dismantled a terrorist cell in east Jerusalem that was allegedly operating under the direction of a senior Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) operative based in France. Five residents of east Jerusalem were arrested between November and December 2025 on suspicion of being recruited by Salah Hamouri.

Hamouri, a lawyer with a history of alleged terrorist involvement, including a past attempted assassination, had his Israeli residency revoked in 2022. He was subsequently transferred to France, where he holds citizenship. Israeli authorities claim Hamouri has been contacting terrorist elements from France to plan and direct activities, using his Israeli connections to recruit operatives locally.

During their investigation, Shin Bet uncovered evidence that Hamouri met with the east Jerusalem residents in Europe throughout 2024 and 2025. He allegedly provided them with encrypted communication devices to discuss their plots. The recruited individuals reportedly took actions to advance terrorist activities in the Jerusalem area. Indictments have since been filed against two of the suspects for offenses including membership in a terrorist organization and conspiracy.