A newly discovered website is openly calling for the assassination of Israeli scientists and academics, offering substantial financial rewards for those who carry out the attacks. The website, dubbed ‘Punishment for Justice Movement,’ lists prominent Israeli academics and researchers under headings such as ‘Criminals and Collaborators with the Occupation Army,’ ‘Promoters of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the Israeli Army,’ and ‘Involved in the Killing of Palestinian Children.’
The site demands accountability for the listed individuals and, according to reports, appears to be operated from the United States or another Western country. It details contact information for local representatives, marking a concerning escalation in the scope and clarity of such threats. This is an unprecedented campaign targeting researchers with such detailed information and direct incitement.
Israeli security officials have expressed concern, noting that no previous campaign has targeted researchers with this level of detail or direct incitement. There are unconfirmed fears that Iran may be behind the operation. The website operators are reportedly using encrypted communication systems.
Israel’s internal security agency (Shin Bet), Mossad, and the National Cyber Directorate have been alerted to the existence of the website. Several universities have issued instructions to senior faculty members, urging them to enhance security awareness, avoid publishing travel schedules, and report suspicious incidents.
The website states, ‘Instead of using science to serve humanity, these killers use their knowledge to kill innocent people and children by providing the Israeli army with weapons of mass destruction. All of these individuals have received warnings in recent months to stop their criminal activities, and when they refused, they were chosen as legitimate targets.’
The site prominently features the names and photos of dozens of leading Israeli researchers in fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.
