East Jerusalem Pharmacy Student Indicted Over Alleged Plot to Attack Jewish Civilians and Security Forces
Israel’s State Attorney’s Office has filed an indictment against a 22-year-old pharmacy student from East Jerusalem, accusing him of planning multiple terrorist attacks involving explosives and poisonous substances targeting Jewish civilians and security personnel.
The indictment was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday against Mohammed Shalbi, charging him with preparing a terrorist act intended to constitute murder and receiving training for terrorist purposes. The allegations have not yet been established in court.
According to prosecutors, Shalbi was a third-year pharmacy student at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis and also worked as a pharmacy assistant. He lived in Beit Hanina, a neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. Investigators allege that he regularly accessed material associated with Hamas and the Islamic State (ISIS) before deciding to use his pharmaceutical knowledge and access to chemicals to plan attacks.
The indictment states that Shalbi began developing an initial attack plan in early 2025. Prosecutors allege that he intended to place an explosive device at a location regularly visited by enforcement personnel. The alleged motive was anger over parking fines issued to worshippers who parked near a mosque in his neighbourhood. The plan was reportedly abandoned after enforcement personnel stopped visiting the area.
Prosecutors further allege that Shalbi subsequently began planning a larger attack intended to kill a significant number of Jewish people. As part of the alleged preparations, he joined Telegram groups associated with terrorist organisations, including one linked to ISIS, and downloaded dozens of files containing material about making explosives, explosive devices and lethal poisons.
The indictment also alleges that Shalbi copied two poison formulas into a notebook. According to the prosecution, the substances described in the formulas could potentially cause death through contact, inhalation or ingestion.
The case highlights Israeli authorities’ concerns about individuals allegedly using online extremist material and specialised technical knowledge to plan attacks. The allegations will be examined through the judicial process as the case proceeds before the Jerusalem District Court.
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