‘Wanted to blow up Jews and Arabs’: suspect recounts Be’er Sheva club attack plan to investigators

Abdullah Gargawi, from Segev Shalom, recounted his plans for the Be'er Sheva club attack to investigators. Initially, he intended to join the Islamic State in Syria. He researched online about making explosives, practiced shooting, and conducted controlled explosions in a yard, observing sparks and smoke. His brother confirmed to the police that Gargawi attempted to make the explosive himself, stating, "I wanted to blow up the people dancing there — Jews or Arabs."

Gargawi was indicted on Tuesday for his alleged connection to the Islamic State and planning the attack at the Forum club in Be'er Sheva. He was arrested on July 19 by police and the Shin Bet. According to the Southern District police’s central unit, he planned to detonate explosives while the club was filled with revelers and then carry out a shooting attack. He had an M-16-style firearm, magazines, and ammunition for a relative for months and took the weapon to an open area near Ramat Hovav for firing.

In 2025, Gargawi searched for instructions on making explosives on YouTube, discovering a video that outlined the creation of an explosive charge using agricultural lime, sulfur, and charcoal. He obtained lime from a relative working in Jenin and attempted to acquire sulfur, eventually resorting to using sulfur from matches. He lit it in his grandfather's concrete yard, resulting in sparks and smoke.

The indictment, filed at the Be'er Sheva District Court, charges Gargawi with contacting a foreign agent, preparing to carry out a terror attack, weapons offenses, and other crimes.