Did the Israeli authorities fail by letting a foreign terrorist inside Israel?

On January 21, 2025, Tel Aviv was shaken by a stabbing attack that left four individuals wounded. The assailant, identified as 29-year-old Moroccan national Abdelaziz Kaddi, held a US green card and had entered Israel just three days prior on a tourist visa. This incident has raised critical questions about the efficacy of Israel’s security protocols, particularly concerning the roles of the Shin Bet security agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in vetting individuals granted entry into the country.
Upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on January 18, Kaddi’s behavior and responses during the standard entry interview aroused suspicion. He failed to provide clear answers regarding the purpose of his visit, his contacts within Israel, or his intended activities during his stay. Recognizing these red flags, border control officers from the Population and Immigration Authority referred him to the Shin Bet for a more thorough security assessment. Despite the initial concerns, the Shin Bet concluded that there was insufficient evidence to deny him entry on security grounds, and he was subsequently allowed into the country.
Further investigations into Kaddi’s background revealed a history of anti-Israel sentiment expressed through his social media accounts. He had shared posts accusing Israel of imposing starvation conditions on Gaza’s civilian population and disseminated images glorifying individuals identified as terrorists. Notably, he shared a photograph of Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, a known terrorist figure. These online activities suggest that Kaddi harbored extremist views, which, if identified earlier, might have influenced the decision to grant him entry.
On the evening of January 21, Kaddi carried out a stabbing spree in Tel Aviv’s bustling Nachalat Binyamin area, injuring four people before being shot dead at the scene. The victims, two men aged 24 and 28, sustained moderate injuries, while two others, aged 24 and 59, were lightly wounded. The swift response by local authorities prevented further casualties, but the incident has left the nation grappling with concerns over security lapses.
This incident has prompted scrutiny of the processes employed by both the MFA and the Shin Bet in granting visas and assessing security risks. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel commended the border control officers for their vigilance in identifying Kaddi as a potential threat upon arrival. However, he expressed concern over the Shin Bet’s decision to permit entry despite the initial red flags. Minister Arbel has called for a comprehensive investigation into the Shin Bet’s assessment procedures to understand how the agency determined that Kaddi did not pose a security risk.
In response to the criticism, the Shin Bet has stated that Kaddi underwent a comprehensive security evaluation, including questioning and additional checks, before the decision was made to allow his entry. The agency emphasized that, at the time, there was no sufficient basis to deny him entry on security grounds. The Shin Bet has initiated an internal review to examine the circumstances surrounding this decision and to identify any potential lapses in their assessment protocols.
This case underscores the challenges faced by security agencies in balancing the facilitation of legitimate travel with the imperative of national security. The reliance on available intelligence and the interpretation of behavioral cues during entry interviews are critical components of the vetting process. However, this incident highlights the potential for individuals with malicious intent to exploit gaps in these systems.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, it is imperative that the MFA and the Shin Bet undertake a thorough review of their current protocols. Enhancements could include enhanced social media screening, improved inter-agency communication, regular training and updates, and comprehensive review mechanisms to analyze and adjust policies based on past decisions.
The stabbing attack carried out by Abdelaziz Kaddi serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in national security operations. While it is impossible to predict and prevent every potential threat, continuous evaluation and enhancement of security protocols are essential in mitigating risks. The lessons learned from this incident should inform future strategies to ensure that the balance between openness and security is maintained, and that the safety of citizens remains paramount.