Failed asylum seeker jailed for 20 years after trying to break into Israeli embassy in London to launch knife attack

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Albadri travelled to the embassy last year "wearing a red‑and‑white shemagh wrapped around his head and face and sunglasses, concealing his identity."

He arrived shortly before 6pm, and attempted to climb the perimeter fence, but was detained "within seconds".

Two knives were recovered from his clothing following arrest.

Prosecutors had told the jury that Albadri's acts were "deliberate and planned" after CCTV footage backtracked his movements across London.

Additionally, evidence from his mobile phone showed multiple searches for the location of the Israeli embassy in the hours and days leading up to the incident.

A failed asylum seeker has been jailed for life with a minimum of 20 yeaes after trying to breaki into London's Israeli embassy and to launch a knife attack

CPS

A handwritten note, written on the day of the incident, was also recovered.

Albadri was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts and two offences of possession of a bladed article in a public place after a trial at the Old Bailey on May 1, 2026.

At the time of his conviction, Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Abdullah Albadri deliberately armed himself, concealed his identity and attempted to climb into a diplomatic site while carrying knives.

"The evidence showed planning and preparation, and that his actions were driven by an intention to use violence to make a political statement.

"Thanks to the swift actions of officers, no one was hurt, and today’s verdicts reflect the seriousness of what was prevented."