The U.S. government has issued a warning to law enforcement nationwide about the increased potential for attacks in the United States in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, and National Counterterrorism Center have released an intelligence bulletin urging law enforcement officials and private sector security partners to remain vigilant following Hamas’ recent assault on Israel.
The bulletin states that intelligence analysts believe the most likely threat to Americans, especially Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities, comes from lone individuals inspired by or responding to the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, they caution that the situation is fluid and evolving.
DHS Secretary Mayorkas expressed concern about individuals incited to violence by hate ideologies, addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
FBI Director Christopher Wray also emphasized the ongoing threat, stating that there is a possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organizations could exploit the conflict to call for attacks in the U.S.
The bulletin reports an increase in threats against Jewish and Muslim communities, including hoax bomb threats targeting synagogues. It also mentions a recent alleged hate crime attack in Illinois where a 6-year-old boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, was killed and his mother injured.
The intelligence analysts acknowledge that Hamas has not conducted or called for attacks in the U.S., but they believe the perceived success of their attacks could motivate homegrown violent extremists. They also highlight the calls from Al-Qaeda affiliates, Hezbollah, and ISIS supporters to target U.S. and Israeli interests in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The bulletin notes previous plots and attacks by actors connected to the Government of Iran and Hezbollah against individuals in the U.S., particularly against Jewish facilities, government facilities, and Iranian dissident groups.
As the conflict continues, the U.S. government warns that adversarial foreign actors, including Iran, will use online platforms to amplify misinformation and deepen resentment. The bulletin identifies “possible signposts” of potential violence, such as explicit praise of Hamas’ tactics in online spaces used by violent extremists.
The Department of Homeland Security reaffirms its commitment to working with law enforcement partners to enhance safety in local communities and urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Author: Catherine Herridge
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