Shooting at Israeli Defense Company in Sweden: A Growing Threat to Jewish and Israeli Targets in Europe

Gothenburg, Sweden – On Thursday morning, a shooting occurred at the Swedish branch of the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in Kallebäck, just outside Gothenburg. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of Jewish and Israeli-affiliated entities in Europe, involved the arrest of a 13-year-old suspect who is now being investigated for attempted murder and serious weapons offenses.

Details of the Shooting and Arrest

The shooting took place outside the premises of Elbit Systems, prompting a large-scale police operation. According to law enforcement, the area around the company’s offices was immediately cordoned off. A key point of concern was the discovery of a robotic device, initially feared to be a bomb or explosive. The National Bomb Squad was called to the scene to investigate further.

The suspect, a 13-year-old youth, was apprehended shortly after the attack. According to reports, the boy does not reside in the local area, and his nationality has not been disclosed. Due to his age, Swedish authorities have transferred custody of the youth to Social Services for further investigation and care.

The police have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation. Thomas Fuxborg, a spokesperson for the Gothenburg police, commented, “What we have found at the scene, we keep to ourselves for the time being.” As of now, no one has been reported injured in the incident, but the involvement of a minor has sparked renewed discussions about radicalization and youth involvement in violent crime.

Elbit Systems and Prior Attacks

Elbit Systems, a prominent Israeli defense company, has been a frequent target of protests and attacks in Sweden and elsewhere. This is not the first time the company’s Swedish offices have been attacked. In June 2024, an explosive device was found near Elbit’s building in Kallebäck, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old and a 25-year-old suspect. The two have remained in custody since, with charges expected to be filed soon.

Elbit Systems has been a target for radical leftist, Islamic, and pro-Palestinian groups. In November 2023, its building was vandalized with hateful graffiti, calling for the company to be shut down. The organization has also faced protests from groups sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, many of which accuse the company of supplying defense technology to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Founded just before the Six-Day War in 1967, Elbit Systems played a crucial role in the Israeli military’s defense capabilities, contributing to its victory in that conflict. The company has since grown to become a global leader in military and defense technologies, making it a consistent target for anti-Israel activists.

Potential Anti-Semitic Motive

Although the police have not officially confirmed the motive behind the shooting, there are growing concerns that antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments may have been a driving factor. Sweden, like much of Europe, has witnessed an uptick in antisemitic attacks and protests, particularly targeting Jewish and Israeli interests.

The possibility of an anti-Jewish terror motive cannot be ruled out, as Gothenburg police have indicated they are investigating all angles. The nature of the attack, the target, and the broader context of hostility toward Israeli institutions in Sweden point to the likelihood that the incident is part of a larger trend.

Iran’s Influence and Terror Ties in Europe

Recent developments have linked attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe to Iranian influence. The Iranian regime has been known to encourage criminal gangs of Muslim immigrant backgrounds to carry out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets across the continent. In the case of Sweden, two well-known gang leaders—Rawa Majid (the “Kurdish Fox”) and Ismail Abdo (the “Strawberry”)—have reportedly been implicated in such activities. Both individuals, once close allies, are now mortal enemies engaged in a violent turf war that has been increasingly influenced by outside actors, including those with connections to Iran.

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, so too do the threats against Israeli-linked companies abroad. The shooting in Gothenburg is just the latest in a series of incidents across Europe, including recent bomb attacks at the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen. These acts of terror, believed to be motivated by Islam, demonstrate a growing willingness among extremist groups to target Israeli entities on European soil.

A Growing Security Concern

The shooting at Elbit Systems in Gothenburg underscores the increasing vulnerability of Israeli businesses and Jewish organizations in Europe. While Swedish authorities continue their investigation, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex web of radicalization, geopolitical tensions, and local gang activity that threatens public safety. As law enforcement and security agencies work to protect sensitive targets, questions remain about how to address the external influences—particularly from Iran—fueling these violent acts.

For now, Elbit Systems has refrained from commenting on the motive behind the shooting, deferring to the ongoing police investigation. However, the broader implications of the attack are clear: Europe is witnessing a dangerous rise in anti-Jewish violence, and stronger measures will be necessary to protect Jewish and Israeli interests in the region.

Source: Samnytt, SVT