Alerts

Was ISIS behind the Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem on January 8?

ISIS’ avoidance of Palestinians and Jerusalem – until now?
Share this
Caliphate propaganda poster
Caliphate propaganda poster. Is it for real?

Table of Contents

The inspiration of ISIS on the attacker from the Jerusalem neighborhood Jabal Mukaber requires explanation. In principle, the Islamic State, at least at this stage, does not pay attention to Israel, and the Palestinian struggle does not interest ISIS. On the contrary, ISIS made it clear to the Palestinians, more than once, that ISIS does not support a Palestinian state because ISIS wants to eliminate all Arab states to establish the Islamic caliphate on the ruins of the Arab countries.

ISIS is not even a partner to the Palestinian campaign that “Al-Aqsa Mosque is in Danger.” Leaflets distributed by ISIS in Jerusalem incite against Christians but make no mention of Al-Aqsa. In all of ISIS’s publications to date, there has not been a single mention of the Palestinian struggle, Israel, or even Jerusalem.

So, What Inspired the Attack in Jerusalem on January 8, 2017?

There is a phenomenon in ISIS of various nationalities joining the organization. ISIS encourages terror against their states from within – French against France, Belgians against Belgium, Chechens against Russia, etc. The same rule applies to the Palestinians who join ISIS and try to pull ISIS towards the Palestinian cause and Israel. For example, in the area of ​​the Golan Heights, an ISIS enclave in the southern Syrian Golan did not act against Israel until a new commander was appointed – a Jordanian of Palestinian origin. Then ISIS in the enclave started pointing their weapons against the IDF in the Golan. Following the quick and decisive response of Israel, the ISIS enclave fell silent, probably because of orders from the headquarters of ISIS in Rakka, which has no interest in getting involved at this point with Israel.

Note that, until now ISIS did not take any responsibility for the attack in Jerusalem on January 8.

Israel should not be the only one concerned about Palestinian involvement in ISIS, but also the Palestinian Authority, because Palestinian recruits to ISIS could direct their fire against the PA, as well.

Pinhas Inbari

Pinhas Inbari is a veteran Arab affairs correspondent who formerly reported for Israel Radio and <em>Al Hamishmar</em> newspaper, and currently serves as an analyst for the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.







Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close