List of al-Qaeda attacks against Israel

This is list of terrorist attacks and foiled plots attributed to the militant organization Al-Qaeda and its regional affiliates directed against the State of Israel or Israeli and Jewish interests abroad. Historically, Al-Qaeda focused on the "far enemy" (the United States and the West). However, the organization has frequently targeted Israel as part of its ideological narrative. While Israel's security services have prevented many domestic attacks, Al-Qaeda has successfully struck Israeli and Jewish targets in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Successful attacks

Date Event Location Al-Qaeda branch/affiliate group Description Casualties
April 11, 2002 Ghriba synagogue bombing Djerba, Tunisia Al-Qaeda A truck bomb was detonated outside an ancient synagogue, killing 19 people, mostly German and French tourists. AQ claimed it was a response to Israeli actions in the West Bank via its spokesperson, Sulaiman Abu Ghaith.[1] 19 killed
Nov 28, 2002 Mombasa Hotel Bombing Mombasa, Kenya Al-Qaeda An Al-Qaeda cell launched a simultaneous attack targeting Israelis in Kenya. A car bomb hit the Israeli-owned Paradise Hotel, killing 13. Simultaneously, two Strela-2 missiles were fired at an Arkia Israeli Airlines Boeing 757 (both missed).[2] 13 killed (3 Israelis)
April 30, 2003 Mike's Place suicide bombing Tel Aviv, Israel Hamas
Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades
Al-Qaeda-linked networks		 The Mike's Place suicide bombing was a suicide bombing, perpetrated by British nationals, at Mike's Place, a bar in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 30, 2003, killing three civilians and wounding 50. While carried out in coordination with Hamas, intelligence reports later identified the bombers' logistical and ideological training within Al-Qaeda-linked networks in the United Kingdom.[3][4][5][6] 3 Israeli civilians killed (+ 1 bomber killed)
May 16, 2003 Casablanca Bombings Casablanca, Morocco Salafia Jihadia While targeting several locations, a cell of 12 suicide bombers belonging to a Salafia Jihadia specifically targeted a Jewish community center (Alliance Israélite center) and Jewish-owned businesses (including a restaurant). Al-Qaeda central is believed to have inspired or directed the operation.[7] 33 killed
Nov 15, 2003 Istanbul Synagogue Bombings Istanbul, Turkey Al-Qaeda's Turkish cell
İBDA-C		 Two truck bombs were detonated outside the Neve Shalom and Bet Israel synagogues in Istanbul, killing 28 people. Al-Qaeda later claimed the operation through its Turkish cell.[8] 28 killed (6 Jews)
Oct 7, 2004 Sinai Peninsula Bombings Sinai, Egypt Tawhid wal-Jihad in Egypt The Taba Hilton and two campsites in Ras al-Shitan were simultaneously bombed, killing 34 people (including 12 Israelis). The group "Tawhid wal-Jihad in Egypt" claimed it as a response to Al-Qaeda's call.[9] 34 killed (12 Israelis)
July 23, 2005 Sharm el-Sheikh Bombings Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt Abdullah Azzam Brigades Multiple blasts targeting hotels and markets frequented by international and Israeli tourists. Responsibility was claimed by the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, an Al-Qaeda affiliate.[10] 88 killed (1 Israeli)
Aug 19, 2005 Eilat rocket attack Aqaba, Jordan
Eilat, Israel		 Al-Qaeda in Iraq
Abdullah Azzam Brigades		 In 2005 several Katyusha rockets were fired from within Jordan. Some hit near the Eilat airport in Israel and two hit very close to two United States Navy ships docked in Aqaba, Jordan - USS Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, and USS Ashland, a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship.[11] One of the rockets hit a Jordanian military hospital, killing a Jordanian soldier.[12][13] The attack is regarded as having been perpetrated by the al-Zarqawi branch of Al Qaeda (Al-Qaeda in Iraq),[14] and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Abdullah Azzam Brigades, claimed responsibility.[15][12] 1 Jordanian soldier killed
Nov 9, 2005 Amman Hotel Bombings Amman, Jordan Al-Qaeda in Iraq Hotels frequented by Israeli and American visitors were bombed. Targets included the Radisson SAS, where an Israeli wedding party was reportedly staying. The attack was carried out by Al-Qaeda in Iraq under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.[16] 60 killed (2 Israelis)
June 25, 2006 2006 Gaza cross-border raid Gaza Strip
Kerem Shalom Crossing, Israel		 Hamas
Popular Resistance Committees
Fatah
Islamic Jihad
Jaysh al-Islam		 Jaysh al-Islam, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip participated in the 2006 Gaza cross-border raid, in which seven or eight Gazan Palestinian militants attacked Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions near the Kerem Shalom Crossing through an attack tunnel. In the attack, two IDF soldiers[17] and two Palestinian militants[18] were killed, four IDF soldiers were wounded, one of whom was Gilad Shalit, who was captured and taken to the Gaza Strip.[19] 2 Palestinian militants killed, 2 IDF soldiers killed, and 4 IDF soldiers injured.
June 9, 2009 Karni border crossing clashes Gaza Strip
Israel - Karni crossing		 Jund Ansar Allah Jund Ansar Allah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Gaza Strip, carried out a raid on the Karni border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Ten individuals from the group rode into battle on horses laden with large quantities of explosives, with at least three of them being shot dead by Israeli troops. Five Jund Ansar Allah operatives in total died in the operation. Israeli officials said several of the men had been wearing explosive belts, and suspected they had been attempting to kidnap a soldier.[20] 5 Gazan militants killed
Sep 11, 2009 Nahariya rocket attack Lebanon
Nahariya, Israel		 Ziad al-Jarrah Division of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades Two Katyusha rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Nahariya, Israel. Ziad al-Jarrah Division of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades issued the following statement on its website: "Your brothers launched two Katyusha rockets from southern Lebanon, which landed in the settlement of Nahariya in occupied northern Palestine". In its statement, the organization clarified that it was part of al-Qaeda and that it carried out the act in protest of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip and the prevention of believers from praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.[21] No reported deaths
Aug 18, 2011 2011 southern Israel cross-border attacks Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Near the Ein Netafim spring, on Highway 12, Southern Israel		 Ansar Bait al-Maqdis (claimed responsibility)[22]
Popular Resistance Committees (claimed by Israel; denied by the group)		 On August 18, 2011, a series of cross-border attacks with parallel attacks and mutual cover was carried out in southern Israel on Highway 12 near the Egyptian border by a squad of presumably twelve militants in four groups. The attacks occurred after Israel's interior security service Shin Bet had warned of an attack by militants in the region and Israeli troops had been stationed in the area.[23] The militants first opened fire at an Egged No. 392 bus as it was traveling on Highway 12 in the Negev near Eilat.[24][25] Several minutes later, a bomb was detonated next to an Israeli army patrol along Israel's border with Egypt. In a third attack, an anti-tank missile hit a private vehicle, killing four civilians. Eight Israelis – six civilians, one Yamam special unit police sniper and one Golani Brigade soldier—were killed in the multiple-stage attack. The Israel Defense Forces reported eight attackers killed, and Egyptian security forces reported killing another two. Five Egyptian soldiers were also killed. According to Egypt, they were killed by Israeli security forces chasing militants across the Egyptian border, while an Israeli military officer initially said they were killed by a suicide bomber who had fled across the border into Egypt. 23 killed (6 Israeli civilians, 1 Israeli soldier, 1 Israeli Yamam policeman, 5 Egyptian soldiers, 10 attackers)
Sep 21, 2012 September 2012 southern Israel cross-border attack Southern Israel near Mount Harif Ansar Bait al-Maqdis Three Egyptian militants, wearing civilian clothes and armed with explosive belts, AK-47 rifles and RPG launchers, approached the Egypt-Israel border in an area where the Egypt–Israel barrier was incomplete, and opened fire on a group of IDF soldiers supervising the civilian workers who were constructing the border fence. The militants opened fire on a small group of IDF soldiers, shooting from a distance of about 100 meters.[26][27] During the incident, which was thwarted at a relatively early stage by the IDF forces,[28] one Israeli soldier was killed and another moderately wounded.[29] Both of the soldiers were graduates of Hesder yeshivas.[30] The three militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight; one was killed by a female soldier from the mixed-gender Caracal Battalion.[30] The jihadist militant group Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, an al-Qaeda-inspired militant organization based in the Sinai Peninsula, claimed responsibility for the attack. 4 killed (1 Israeli soldier and 3 Egyptian militants)
Nov 14-21 2012 2012 Gaza War Gaza Strip
Israel		 Jaysh al-Ummah Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip participated in the 2012 Gaza War against Israel. Unknown
Jan 20, 2014 Eilat Rocket Attack Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Eilat, Israel		 Ansar Bait al-Maqdis Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Sinai, fired two Grad rockets at Eilat. No damage or injuries were reported. [31] No reported deaths
Jan 31, 2014 Eilat Rocket Attack Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Eilat, Israel		 Ansar Bait al-Maqdis Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Sinai, launched a rocket from the Sinai Peninsula aimed at Eilat, Israel. The Iron Dome system intercepted the rocket.[32] No reported deaths
July 2014 Rocket attacks during 2014 Gaza War Gaza Strip
Israel		 Saraya Yehya Ayyash group of Abdullah Azzam Brigades Saraya Yehya Ayyash group, which is part of the Al-Qaeda affiliated Abdullah Azzam Brigades, posted pictures and video of itself on social media, which showed the members of the group launching rockets from Gaza into Israel during 2014 Gaza War.[33] Unknown
July 8 - 26 August, 2014 2014 Gaza War Gaza Strip
Israel		 Jaysh al-Ummah Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip participated in the 2014 Gaza War against Israel. Unknown
Aug 28, 2014 Beheading of alleged Mossad agents Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Ansar Bait al-Maqdis Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Sinai, released a video showing the beheading of 4 Egyptians accused of being Mossad spies and providing Israel with intelligence.[34] 4 killed (alleged Mossad agents)
Nov 12 2019 Kfar Aza & Shaar Hanegev Rocket Attack Gaza Strip
Kfar Aza & the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Israel		 Jaysh al-Ummah Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip claimed responsibility for rocket fire against Kfar Aza and the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council.[35]
May 6-21, 2021 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Gaza Strip
Israel		 Jaysh al-Ummah Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip claimed to have taken part in the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, shooting rockets at Israeli targets.[36][37] Unknown
Oct 7, 2023 October 7 attacks Sufa, Israel Jaysh al-Ummah It is believed that militants of Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group based in Gaza, participated in the attack on kibbutz Sufa in Israel as part of October 7 attacks.[38] Unknown
October - December 2023 Gaza War Gaza Strip
Israel		 Jaysh al-Ummah Jaysh al-Ummah, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group in the Gaza Strip published a statement on Dec. 8 saying its fighters have attacked Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops operating in the Gaza Strip. The statement alleges that IDF positions, along with Israeli communities near the Gaza border, were targeted with rockets and heavy-caliber mortar shells by “artillery units.” Jaysh al-Ummah further claims that during the initial phase of the IDF’s ground incursion in northern Gaza, its fighters engaged Israeli forces using improvised explosive devices, anti-tank weaponry, and machine guns, leading to casualties among Israeli troops. Furthermore, in an encounter with Israeli forces in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, a member of the group identified as Ahmed Saleh Hamid was killed. The statement alleges Hamid is the nephew of Jaysh al-Ummah’s Emir, Abu Hafs al-Maqdisi.[39] 1 Gaza militant killed and allegedly several Israeli casualties.
Sept 15, 2024 Grad Rocket Attack Gaza Strip
Israel		 Huras al-Masra In September 2024, Huras al-Masra (Guardians of the Journey), an Al-Qaeda-affiliate group in Gaza, claimed a rocket attack targeting Israeli communities near the Gaza border.[40][41] No reported deaths

Foiled and thwarted plots

Date Event Location Al-Qaeda branch/affiliate group Description
2000 Sydney Olympics Plot Sydney, Australia Al-Qaeda Australian intelligence disrupted a cell planning to attack Israeli athletes and sites during the Summer Games.
2001 Richard Reid Reconnaissance Ben Gurion Airport, Israel Al-Qaeda Before his "shoe bomb" attempt, Richard Reid scouted El Al security at Ben Gurion Airport for Al-Qaeda.
2002 Tel Aviv Nightclub Plot Tel Aviv, Israel Al-Qaeda A major plot to conduct simultaneous suicide bombings at multiple Tel Aviv nightclubs was thwarted by Mossad/CIA coordination.[9]
July 2010 Suspected al-Qaeda biological weapons expert arrest Israel Al-Qaeda In November 2013 it was revealed that Israel had been holding a suspected al-Qaeda biological weapons expert since 2010. A military court placed Samir Abdul Latif al-Baraq in "administrative detention", which allows indefinite detention without charge or trial, after he was arrested in July 2010.[42]
October 2010 The "Cargo Plane" Plot Chicago, United States Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula In October 2010, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) sent explosive packages hidden in printer cartridges. They were addressed to Jewish synagogues in Chicago. The group accused the Saudi authorities of thwarting the attack and of "collaboration with the Jews". AQAP explicitly stated the motive was the "Zionist-Crusader" alliance and retaliation for Gaza.[43]
August 9, 2013 Sinai Rocket Attack Rafah, Egypt
Israel		 Ansar Bait al-Maqdis Al-Qaeda-affiliated in Sinai, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, issued a statement in which it claimed that it was the target of an Israeli bombing that allegedly took place in the Egyptian Rafah, and that four of its fighters were killed in the attack. According to the organization, at the time of the attack, its operatives were preparing to fire a rocket at Israel.[44]
2014 East Jerusalem / US Embassy Plot Tel Aviv
Jerusalem, Israel		 Al-Qaeda The Shin Bet arrested a three-man cell recruited by an Al-Qaeda operative in Gaza. They planned suicide bombings at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and a Jerusalem convention center.[42]
2014 Al-Nusra Golan infiltration attempt Quneitra, Syria
Golan Heights, Israel		 Al-Nusra Front Israel intercepted communications regarding an "infiltration attack" planned by Al-Nusra Front militants in Syria. The plot involved a cross-border raid from the Golan Heights to seize a kibbutz and take hostages. The attack was reportedly personally approved by Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
November 2020 Assassination of Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah Iran Al-Qaeda In November 2020, Israeli agents assassinated Al-Qaeda's next alleged number two leader, Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah who's pseudonym was Abu Muhammad Al-Masri. He was involved in the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.[45]
2024 "Jerusalem will never be Judaized" Campaign Europe
United State		 Al-Qaeda Following Al-Qaeda’s 2019–2024 ideological campaign, several plots targeting Israeli embassies in Europe and the US were foiled by local authorities.

See also

References

  1. ^ BBC News (2002). "Al-Qaeda claims Tunisia attack"
  2. ^ CNN (2002). "Al-Qaeda claim for Kenya attacks"
  3. ^ Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2003). "The 30 April 2003 Suicide Bombing at Mike's Place - The International Connection."
  4. ^ Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. (2003). "Suicide Bombing of Mike's Place in Tel Aviv: The British Connection."
  5. ^ The Guardian. (2003, May 1). "The British Suicide Bombers."
  6. ^ Fighel, Y. (2003). "The Mike's Place Bombing: Al-Qaeda's Infiltration into the Palestinian Arena." ICT Research Papers.
  7. ^ The New York Times (2003). "Casablanca Hit by 5 Explosions"
  8. ^ Al Jazeera (2003). "Al-Qaeda claims synagogue bombings"
  9. ^ a b "Is Al-Qaeda Closing In?". Institute for National Security Studies.
  10. ^ The Guardian (2005). "Dozens killed in Sharm el-Sheikh"
  11. ^ Gaouette, Mark (2010). Cruising for Trouble: Cruise Ships as Soft Targets for Pirates, Terrorists and Common Criminals. ABC-CLIO. pp. 66–67. ISBN 978-0-313-38234-5.
  12. ^ a b "Scores arrested in connection with Aqaba rocket attack," Al Bawaba News, August 22, 2005.
  13. ^ "Iraqi arrested in Jordan over rocket attack on US warship," Archived 2014-01-06 at the Wayback Machine (AFP), 20 August 2005, Khaleej Times.
  14. ^ Beyond al-Qaeda: Global jihadist movement, Angel Rabasa, Rand Corporation, 2006, p. 145.
  15. ^ "U.S. warns on travel to Jordan port city," Suleiman al-Khalidi, September 15, 2010, Reuters, MSNBC.
  16. ^ BBC News (2005)"Zarqawi group 'behind' Amman blasts"
  17. ^ "How were Palestinian militants able to abduct Gilad Shalit?". Haaretz. 18 October 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2011. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  18. ^ Q&A: Israeli soldier held in Gaza, BBC News, Monday, 25 June 2007.
  19. ^ Perl Finkel, Gal (16 August 2016). "The IDF vs subterranean warfare". The Jerusalem Post.
  20. ^ "Profile: Jund Ansar Allah". 2009-08-15. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  21. ^ "ארגון הקשור לאל-קאעידה: אנחנו ירינו הקטיושות". ynet. September 14, 2009.
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  23. ^ Harel, Amos (September 2, 2011). "September songs". Haaretz. Archived from the original on March 12, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
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  27. ^ IDF soldier killed, another wounded in border ... JPost - Defense
  28. ^ "ynet נתנאל התעקש לשרת בקרבי: "לא סיפר היכן הוא" - חדשות". Ynet. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  29. ^ אתר צה"ל - צבא ההגנה לישראל : חייל צה"ל נהרג בתקרית האש בגבול מצרים; חייל נוסף נ
  30. ^ a b Reshet Bet :: רשת ב - רב"ט נתנאל יהלומי נהרג בתקרית בהר חריף
  31. ^ "Salafi group takes responsibility for Eilat rockets". Times of Israel. 21 January 2014. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
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  33. ^ Ben Solomon, Ariel (11 July 2014). "Videos show Lebanese jihadi group active in Gaza". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
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  38. ^ "Conflit Israël-Hamas : que signifie la bannière noire islamiste retrouvée dans un kibboutz ?". Le Figaro. 17 October 2023.
  39. ^ Joe Truzman (19 December 2023). "Al Qaeda-aligned Jaysh al-Ummah says it is fighting Israeli troops in Gaza". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  40. ^ Zelin, Aaron. "The Gaza War Has Jump-Started a Weakened Al-Qaeda". The Washington Institute.
  41. ^ Washington Institute (2024). "Tracking Al-Qaeda Influence during the Gaza War"
  42. ^ a b "Shin Bet Foils Al-Qaeda Plot in Jerusalem". Times of Israel. Jan 22, 2014.
  43. ^ "Al-Qaeda offshoot claims cargo bombs". BBC. 5 November 2010.
  44. ^ "ארגון בסיני: עמדנו לירות רקטה - וישראל תקפה". ynet. August 10, 2013.
  45. ^ "Report: Israeli agents assassinated Al-Qaeda's No. 2 in Iran". JNS.org. November 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
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