A recent joint warning from the Department of Homeland Security and Justice directly states that organizations such as al Qaeda and ISIS are anticipated to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict “to increase calls for violence in the U.S. during the holiday season compared to prior years.” The warning explicitly asserts that synagogues, churches, and Jewish community members could be among the most likely “primary targets.”
With Hanukkah only days away and the Israeli military advancing on southern Gaza, a recently obtained intelligence report by CBS News directly warns of increased threats from foreign terrorist organizations. This aligns with FBI Director Christopher Wray’s testimony on Capitol Hill last Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In response to Senator Lindsey Graham’s question about potential warning signs, Wray explicitly stated, “I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.”
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, Wray has asserted that the level of threats has escalated to a “whole other level.” He continued, stating, “I’ve never seen a time where all the threats, or so many of the threats, are all elevated all at exactly the same time.”
Wray also highlighted the possibility of threats from terrorists to the southern border of the United States, emphasizing that the FBI is actively working to “identify and disrupt potential attacks.”
The survey indicates that, despite the usual increase in intelligence talk during the holidays, this year will be particularly busy due to the ongoing fighting in Gaza.
Wray directly stated in his prepared statement to Congress, “Our top concern stems from lone offenders inspired by — or reacting to — the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict, as they pose the most likely threat to Americans, especially Jewish, Muslim, and Arab-American communities in the United States.” He emphasized that the FBI is taking swift action to mitigate reported threats against Jewish and Muslim individuals, organizations, and places of worship in the United States.
As new information emerged about an alleged attack plan on Las Vegas, the government released an internal study. Authorities apprehended a 16-year-old suspect who they allege had posted comments on social media expressing support for ISIS and planning a lone wolf attack. On Tuesday, the police announced the discovery of a manufactured ISIS flag and bomb components, among other things, during the investigation.
The intelligence analysis warns that terrorist groups are likely to exploit civilian losses in Gaza, whether they are real, perceived, or falsified. It also notes the potential impact of the “increased presence of U.S. military forces in direct support of Israel” following the conclusion of the war.
Wray affirmed that the Bureau has not dismissed the possibility, but there is currently no specific or credible threat. Additionally, there is no indication that Hamas possesses the intention or capability to engage in activities within the United States.
