TEMPLE MOUNT WATCH: I'm not sure what to make of this one.

Israelis Foil Plot by Jewish Extremists


Tuesday May 17, 2005 3:31 AM

AP Photo JRL152

By MARK LAVIE

Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM (AP) - Three Jewish extremists planned to fire a missile into Islam's third-holiest shrine in hopes of unleashing mayhem across the Middle East and halting Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank this summer, police said Monday.

Officials admitted that hard evidence in the case was weak, but other opponents of the pullout showed Monday that even small numbers of demonstrators can tie up police throughout Israel, blocking main highways with burning tires and their own bodies. At least 300 people were detained, police said.

[...]

The plot apparently did not progress past the stage of discussion. No missile was purchased, no concrete plans were made and authorities did not have enough evidence against the three to go beyond ordering house arrest for a short time last month before releasing them.

Israel's Justice Ministry said the suspects would not be indicted because there was no evidence they carried out any part of the plot, and they had second thoughts about it even before they were detained.

Naftali Wirtzburger, attorney for the three, said his clients never served in the army and have no idea how to fire a missile. He accused security forces of entrapment.

[...]

There just isn't enough information here to tell what was really going on, but it sounds as if it could have been serious.

UPDATE: More details here and here. The plot sounds half baked, but dangerous and not to be ignored.