After reportedly trying to enter the Israeli embassy in London on Monday with a knife, a man has been charged with terrorism. According to the Metropolitan Police, Abdullah Sabah Albadri, 33, who does not have a permanent address, was accused on Wednesday of two charges of possessing a bladed object and preparing terrorist activities.
Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, Israeli missions and diplomats across the globe have been hit by various attacks, ranging from bombings and shootings to hostage-taking, suicide bombings against embassy premises or staff and attempts at assassinations.
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, the Kensington embassy was undamaged, and all of its employees were safe. Officers were commended by the Israeli embassy for their “immediate response” and “ongoing efforts” to keep the area safe.
The director of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, indicated that the force does not feel there is a broader threat to the public and is not searching for anybody else in connection with the event.
“We remain in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel and we appreciate that these charges will be concerning to them,”
he said.
On Monday, the event occurred at around 18:00 BST.
A guy was seen attempting to enter the embassy grounds by officers from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, according to the force. According to the statement, the suspect was prevented from entering and was first taken into custody on suspicion of violating public order, trespassing on a property, and possessing an offensive weapon.
He was detained for an alleged terror offence after being brought to a police station and interrogated. Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are in charge of the inquiry.
“We appreciate the British security forces’ prompt action and continuous efforts to secure the Embassy,” the Israeli embassy stated in a statement. Any fear of terrorism will not stop the Israeli Embassy from proudly representing Israel in the United Kingdom. On Wednesday, Mr Albadri was scheduled to appear at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
