The terrorist responsible for the stabbing spree that injured five people in Tel Aviv’s lively Nachalat Binyamin district on Tuesday night was identified as Kaddi Abdelaziz. The 29-year-old Moroccan national, who possesses a U.S. green card, entered Israel just three days prior to the attack. Concerns about his intentions arose immediately upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.

A border control officer reported that Abdelaziz struggled to explain the reason for his visit. He was unable to provide details about his plans, the people he intended to meet, or whether he had any work-related purposes. His vague answers triggered a referral to the Shin Bet for additional questioning. Despite the unease surrounding his entry, Israeli security authorities ultimately permitted him to enter the country.

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel acknowledged the vigilance of the Population and Immigration Authority’s border control officers, who recognized Abdelaziz as a potential threat and attempted to block his entry. “I commend and appreciate the border control officers of the Population and Immigration Authority who identified in real time and sought to prevent the entry into Israel of the terrorist from the attack in Tel Aviv upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on 18.1.25 and transferred him for questioning to security officials who unfortunately decided to allow his entry into Israel,” said Arbel.

Arbel further urged action, stating, “Unfortunately, security authorities decided otherwise. I urge Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to investigate this grave incident and draw conclusions swiftly.”

In response, the Shin Bet asserted that Abdelaziz underwent a thorough security screening, which included questioning and other evaluations. The agency determined there was insufficient evidence to justify denying his entry. “The case is under review,” the Shin Bet added, clarifying that their role is advisory, with decisions about entry permits resting elsewhere unless clear security risks are identified.

Subsequent investigations revealed a troubling digital footprint. Abdelaziz had shared inflammatory social media content, including posts supporting Gaza and condemning Israel. One post accused Israel of “starving civilians in northern Gaza” and warned of “half a million Gazans” facing hunger. Other posts included a video extolling Islam with the caption “Free Palestine” and a photograph of slain terrorist Ibrahim al-Nabulsi.

Abdelaziz’s documents show he was born in Morocco. His Facebook activity indicates he traveled to New York in September 2022, posting a photo of himself with the caption “Alhamdulillah.” After the October 7 Hamas attack, he shared a post suggesting the events could “double the number of martyrs for Islam.”

The attack has ignited a fierce debate over border security procedures and the treatment of individuals flagged as potential threats, especially during periods of heightened regional tensions.

Faisal Marjani, president of the Moroccan Coexistence Association, condemned the attack in a statement to Ynet. “I heard about the incident and it saddened me. The Moroccan Coexistence Association condemns the cowardly act of terrorism that harmed innocent citizens in Israel and confirms its firm position rejecting any form of violence and terrorism. This despicable act reflects the escalation of incitement and hate speech led by several media outlets, led by Al-Jazeera, which continues to broadcast misleading discourse and spread hatred against Jews and Israelis. Terrorism, which does not recognize borders or religious affiliation, is a global state scourge that all forces must confront by all legal and moral means,” Marjani said.

He continued, “The association confirms that this person of Moroccan origin who committed this heinous act represents only himself and his personal extremism, while the entire Moroccan people stand united against terrorism and extremism. The Moroccan Coexistence Association confirms that Morocco adopts a strict policy in dealing with all forms of violence and terrorism and is committed to applying the law firmly to anyone who dares to threaten the security and stability of societies. Moroccan law constitutes the first line of defense against all forms of extremism and hatred and constitutes a fundamental pillar in promoting values of tolerance and coexistence between the various components of society.”

{Matzav.com Israel}