The investigation found that Gargaoui allegedly took concrete steps toward preparing explosive material and manufacturing an explosive device.
By United with Israel Staff
A 20-year-old resident of southern Israel has been charged with planning a car bomb attack at a popular Beersheba nightclub after allegedly identifying with ISIS ideology and taking steps to manufacture explosives, the Shin Bet and Israel Police announced Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Abdallah Gargaoui of the Bedouin town of Segev Shalom, was arrested on July 19 during a joint operation by the Israel Police’s Yoav Unit and officers from the Segev Shalom station.
The arrest followed a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the Southern District Police’s Central Unit into suspected terrorist activity.
נעצר תושב הנגב שלפי החשד היה במגע עם סוכן חוץ ותכנן פיגוע במועדון “הפורום” בבאר שבע
במסגרת חקירה משותפת של היחידה המרכזית במחוז דרום ושירות הביטחון הכללי, נחשפה פעילותו של תושב היישוב שגב שלום, עבדאללה גרגאוי, בן 20, שלפי החשד קיים מגע עם סוכן חוץ, החזיק באמצעי לחימה ותכנן לבצע… pic.twitter.com/WHbecEvBz2
— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) August 18, 2026
According to investigators, Gargaoui had been exposed to ISIS-affiliated material over an extended period, identified with the terrorist organization’s ideology and regularly consumed terror-related content.
He also allegedly established contact with individuals online, including a person who presented himself as a Palestinian terrorist operative, and participated in Telegram groups where ISIS-related material and content concerning terrorist activity were shared.
The investigation found that Gargaoui allegedly took concrete steps toward preparing explosive material and manufacturing an explosive device.
Authorities said the preparations were part of a plan to carry out an attack against the Forum nightclub in Beersheba using a vehicle packed with explosives.
Investigators also uncovered extensive illegal weapons possession.
During March and April 2026, Gargaoui allegedly possessed an illegal M16-style firearm containing standard weapons components, along with additional firearm accessories and ammunition. He is also accused of firing the weapon in an open area.
Authorities further allege that during 2025, Gargaoui kept numerous weapons at his home, including a MAG machine gun, a Kalashnikov rifle, a Negev light machine gun and an M16, as well as magazines and ammunition.
Following the completion of the investigation, prosecutors filed an indictment against Gargaoui on Tuesday morning on security-related offenses and charges involving the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!