Israel Investigates Pro-Palestinian Website Offering Bounties on Academics

Investigation Launched into 'The Punishment for Justice Movement'

Israeli security agencies, including the Shin Bet and Mossad, have initiated an urgent investigation into an anonymous pro-Palestinian website known as 'The Punishment for Justice Movement.' The website has reportedly published the personal information of hundreds of Israeli academics globally and offered financial bounties for various forms of attacks against them. This development has been described by Israeli officials as an 'unprecedented threat' and a 'dangerous and horrifying escalation.'

The website, which was established in August and became active in September, lists alleged home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, and even identification numbers of targeted individuals. Some profiles reportedly include details of family members.

Targeted Academics and Bounty Structure

The campaign targets hundreds of Israeli academics and students, including those residing outside Israel in countries such as the United States and Europe, with researchers from institutions like Harvard University, Oxford University, and CERN among those listed.

The website designates certain individuals as 'special targets,' including Ben-Gurion University President Daniel Chamovitz and physicist Shikma Bressler, a prominent leader of anti-government protests.

The 'price list' for attacks outlined on the site includes:

• $1,000 for placing signs outside targets' homes or protesting their alleged 'crimes.'
• $5,000 for providing new information about a target.
• $20,000 for the arson of vehicles or homes.
• $50,000 for the murder of a targeted academic.
• $100,000 for the murder of 'special targets.'

Allegations and Suspected Origins

The website accuses the listed academics of being 'criminals,' 'collaborators with the Israeli military,' 'distributors of weapons of mass destruction to the Israeli army,' and individuals 'involved in the killing of Palestinian children.' It claims these academics use their knowledge to harm innocent people.

While the website appears to operate from a Western country, with its domain registered in Drenthe, Netherlands, Israeli security sources suspect potential involvement or backing from Iran. The site reportedly utilizes encryption, VPNs, and fake identities to maintain anonymity.

Official Response and Academic Community Concerns

The Committee of University Presidents has condemned the campaign, calling it a 'dangerous and horrifying escalation' that 'marks academics and permits their blood.' They have forwarded all relevant information to the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the National Cyber Directorate for urgent handling.

In response to the threats, Israeli universities have issued alerts to their faculty, advising them to exercise caution, avoid publicizing travel plans, and report any suspicious activities. Professor Daniel Chamovitz, himself a target, expressed his disturbance by the 'extreme discourse that encourages violence' and confidence in the ability of Israeli and international security forces to address the threat.