A man with a knife attempted to infiltrate the Israeli embassy in London on Monday evening, in what the Israeli diplomatic mission said was an attempted terrorist attack.
The 33-year-old man was caught by the Met Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command attempting to enter the Kensington embassy grounds. According to the Met, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, trespassing on a designated site, possession of an offensive weapon, and later, after interrogation, preparation of an act of terrorism.
While the investigation is ongoing under the Met Counter Terrorism Command, unit head Commander Dominic Murphy said that officers were not seeking any more suspects and didn't think there was a wider threat to the public.
"We are in close contact with those based at the Embassy of Israel, and we appreciate that this arrest and the developing investigation will be of concern to them," said Murphy. "We continue to carry out our investigation into this matter and would urge the public not to speculate further at this time."
Israeli embassy says no staff or visitors were harmed in the incident
The Israeli embassy thanked British security services on X/Twitter and informed that no staff or visitors had been harmed.
"The State of Israel and its diplomats have always been subjected to terror threats and even more so after the 7th of October, 2023," said the diplomatic mission. "The Embassy of Israel will not be deterred by any terror threat and will continue to represent Israel with pride in the UK."
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said that it was horrified to learn about the attempted terrorist attack, and thanked British security services for their efforts.
"There can be no excuse for terrorism," added the Board.
