The terrorist who stabbed five people in Tel Aviv’s bustling Nachalat Binyamin area on Tuesday night has been identified as Kaddi Abdelaziz, a 29-year-old Moroccan man with a U.S. green card. He arrived in Israel just three days prior to the attack, and raised suspicions at Ben Gurion Airport.
According to a border control officer, Abdelaziz could not provide a clear reason for his visit, failing to explain his purpose and say whom he was meetin or whether he intended to work in Israel. His evasive responses led to an immediate referral to the Shin Bet for further interrogation. Despite the concerns raised, security officials ultimately approved his entry.
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel noted that border control officers from the Population and Immigration Authority identified Abdelaziz as a threat in real time and sought to prevent him from entering Israel. He was transferred to Shin Bet security officials for further questioning, who ultimately allowed him to enter Israel.
"I commend and appreciate the border control officers of the Population and Immigration Authority who identified in real time and sought to prevent the entry into Israel of the terrorist from the attack in Tel Aviv upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on 18.1.25 and transferred him for questioning to security officials who unfortunately decided to allow his entry into Israel," Arbel said.
“Unfortunately, security authorities decided otherwise. I urge Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to investigate this grave incident and draw conclusions swiftly,” he added.
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In response, the Shin Bet stated that Abdelaziz underwent a comprehensive security evaluation, including questioning and additional checks, before determining there was no sufficient basis to deny him entry on security grounds. “The case is under review,” the agency added. Officials clarified that Shin Bet does not grant entry permits but only advises against entry when clear security threats are identified.
Further investigations revealed that Abdelaziz had previously shared inflammatory posts on social media, including pro-Gaza and anti-Israel content. In one post, he accused Israel of starving civilians in northern Gaza and claimed that “half a million Gazans are at risk of dying from hunger.” He also shared a video praising Islam accompanied by the slogan “Free Palestine” and a photo of slain terrorist Ibrahim al-Nabulsi.
Abdelaziz’s American documentation indicates he was born in Morocco. His Facebook activity suggests he traveled to New York in September 2022, where he posted, “Alhamdulillah,” alongside a photo of himself. Following the October 7 Hamas terror attack, Abdelaziz shared a post referring to the events as a potential reason for “doubling the number of martyrs for Islam.”
"We are aware of these reports. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected," a State Department spokesperson said, adding that the department would have no further comment, and referring further questions to the Department of Homeland Security.
Shortly after the attack and the release of his identity, Abdelaziz’s Facebook profile was deleted.
The incident has sparked public debate over border security protocols and the handling of individuals flagged as potential threats, particularly during heightened tensions in the region.
Panic during the terror attack in central Tel Aviv
( Video: Uri Sela)
Attack in central Tel Aviv
(Video: Mickey Schmidt, Lior Ohana, documentation of MDA operations)
Faisal Marjani, a Moroccan citizen and the president and founder of the Moroccan Coexistence Association, condemned the attack, telling Ynet in a statement that his organization "unequivocally condemns the cowardly terrorist act that targeted innocent civilians in Israel, reaffirming its unwavering rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism. This despicable act is a direct consequence of the escalating hate speech and incitement propagated by certain media outlets, foremost among them Al Jazeera, which persistently spreads misinformation and hatred against Jews and Israelis.
"Terrorism, which knows no borders or religious affiliations, is a global menace that demands a united response from all responsible forces through legal and ethical means. The association asserts that the individual of Moroccan origin who committed this despicable act represents only his own extremist beliefs. The Moroccan people, in their entirety, stand firmly against terrorism and extremism.
"The Morocco Coexistence Association underscores that the Moroccan state implements stringent measures to combat all forms of violence and terrorism, enforcing the law rigorously against anyone who threatens societal security and stability. Moroccan law stands as a robust defense against extremism and hatred, serving as a cornerstone in fostering the values of Coexistence and living together among all segments of society."