Israeli Security Agency Accuses French National of Recruiting Cell in East Jerusalem

Israel's internal security service, the Shin Bet, has accused a French citizen affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) of recruiting five residents from East Jerusalem to carry out activities described as "terrorist."

According to a statement from the Shin Bet, investigations uncovered what it called an "infrastructure" operating in East Jerusalem, which was formed and directed by the suspect residing in France with the aim of executing operations against Israeli targets, as reported by the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

The statement further detailed that security agencies arrested five individuals from East Jerusalem during November and December 2025 on suspicions of involvement in the said activities. The investigations revealed that these individuals received instructions and guidance from abroad.

The Shin Bet identified the French suspect as an activist within the PFLP, noting that he had previously faced accusations related to activities against Israel. Legal measures had been taken against him before, including the revocation of certain residency rights.

Additionally, the Shin Bet announced the indictment of two detainees, who are brothers from East Jerusalem, on charges of belonging to a banned organization and conducting security-related activities. Investigations continue with the other suspects.