He Boarded a Flight with 158 Explosive Devices
Smuggled Bomb on a Plane? Israeli Football Fan Caught in Shocking Airport Security Breach
An Israeli football fan with ties to a notorious supporter group was caught smuggling a large quantity of dangerous materials into the country, raising serious questions about airport security. The shocking incident occurred just days before a major national sports event, prompting a police investigation and public outcry.
An Israeli man affiliated with the controversial “La Familia” fan group of Beitar Jerusalem was arrested after smuggling 158 flares into the country on a flight from Greece, raising serious security concerns. The flares, which he allegedly intended to use during the upcoming State Cup final in Be’er Sheva on Thursday, were discovered in his luggage after he landed at Ben Gurion Airport.
The suspect, a man in his 20s from Rehovot, was taken into custody and is facing charges of importing explosive materials. During his interrogation, he claimed ignorance of the law, stating that he was unaware it was illegal to bring flares into Israel. Despite the gravity of the offense, he was released to full house arrest until Friday, the day after the match.
Police had been tracking the man from the moment his plane landed in Israel. Undercover officers followed him discreetly as he disembarked, passed through passport control, and retrieved his luggage. Once his bags were in hand, officers intercepted him and conducted a search, during which the 158 flares were uncovered. The devices were seized and sent to the Israel Police’s forensic laboratories for evidence processing before being slated for destruction.
A senior police official expressed shock at the ease with which the suspect bypassed security checks in Greece, warning: “This is equivalent to carrying an explosive device. He could have blown up the entire plane.” The official emphasized the potential danger posed by such pyrotechnic materials on board a commercial flight, calling the incident a “massive security failure” on the part of the Greek airport authorities.
The case has reignited concerns over fan violence and the extremist behaviour associated with “La Familia,” a group that has previously come under scrutiny for its racist chants and violent conduct at football matches. With heightened tensions ahead of the cup final, Israeli police are on high alert to prevent any similar incidents.
Authorities are now reviewing airport security protocols in coordination with international partners to ensure such a breach does not occur again. The investigation remains ongoing.
Join our newsletter to receive updates on new articles and exclusive content.
We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Follow Us
Never miss a story