U.S. Government Warns of Potential Attacks in the United States Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

The U.S. government has issued a warning to law enforcement nationwide regarding potential attacks in the United States amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI, and National Counterterrorism Center issued an intelligence bulletin urging heightened vigilance in the days following Hamas’ deadly assault on Israel.

According to the bulletin, intelligence analysts assess that individuals inspired by or reacting to the Israel-Hamas conflict, known as “lone offenders,” pose the most likely threat to Americans. Specifically, Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in the United States are potentially at risk. The bulletin emphasizes that the threat picture is fluid and evolving, reflecting the current moment and the ongoing conflict.

DHS Secretary Mayorkas expressed concern about individuals being incited to violence by ideologies of hate, stating, “We remain very concerned about the lone wolf—the individual incited to violence by an ideology of hate.” FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed this sentiment by asserting that the threat is ongoing, and there is a possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organizations could exploit the conflict to call for attacks on U.S. soil.

Recent days have seen an increase in threats targeting Jewish and Muslim communities, with hoax bomb threats aimed at synagogues across the country. Tragically, a 6-year-old boy was killed in an alleged hate crime attack in Illinois, near Chicago, prompting a federal investigation. The boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, and his injured mother were allegedly targeted due to their Muslim identity.

While Hamas has not conducted or called for attacks in the United States, their perceived success in their terrorist attacks could motivate homegrown violent extremists. The National Fusion Center Association’s president, Mike Sena, acknowledged that while there are no credible threats to the homeland, people should be aware of the threat environment. He also emphasized that recent events could motivate racially-motivated violent extremists online.

Furthermore, both Al-Qaeda affiliates and Hezbollah have called on their supporters to target U.S. and Israeli interests in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and President Biden’s trip to the region. ISIS supporters online have also encouraged similar attacks targeting Israel and its allies.

The U.S. government warned of adversarial foreign actors, including Iran, amplifying misinformation and disinformation online about the Israel-Hamas conflict to deepen resentment. Some actors have already doctored images, mislabeled video footage, and provided inaccurate translations and false information about the conflict.

The intelligence bulletin highlighted “possible signposts” that may indicate potential violence, such as explicit praise of tactics associated with Hamas’ attack in online spaces commonly used by violent extremists.

The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that the bulletin builds upon a previous notification issued shortly after Hamas’ attack on Israel. They will continue working with partners across the United States to enhance safety in local communities and adjust security measures as needed to protect the American people.

In conclusion, the U.S. government cautions the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The heightened threat environment necessitates continued awareness and proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all communities amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.