Failed asylum seeker is jailed for minimum of 20 years after trying to break into London’s Israeli embassy to launch knife attack, tell me about this news today

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, a 34-year-old Kuwait-born failed asylum seeker, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years at the Old Bailey after attempting an armed knife assault on the Israeli Embassy in London.

• The Attempt: On April 28, 2025, Albadri walked from Kilburn to Kensington Palace Gardens wearing dark sunglasses and a red-and-white keffiyeh. Arriving outside the Israeli Embassy shortly before 6:00 PM, he made a gesture resembling a salute and leapt onto the 8-foot perimeter security fence to climb into the grounds.

  Renfrewshire Gazette+ 1

• Police Intervention: Armed diplomatic protection officers immediately engaged and pulled him down from the fence, subduing and handcuffing him after a struggle.

  Renfrewshire Gazette

• Weapons and Evidence: Officers recovered two 4-inch serrated knives and handwritten papers described in court as a “martyrdom note”. Body-worn camera footage captured him asking officers why they were stopping him from committing a crime inside and stating that his actions were intended as a message regarding the conflict in Gaza.

  Renfrewshire Gazette+ 1

• Immigration Status: Albadri, a member of the stateless Bedoon community from Kuwait, had entered the UK irregularly via small boat crossings in 2021 and April 2025. After his asylum application was rejected and he was ordered to leave asylum accommodation, he planned the assault.

  Renfrewshire Gazette

• Defense Argument: During the trial, Albadri claimed he carried the knives for personal protection while homeless and denied intending to harm anyone or commit a terrorist offense.

  Renfrewshire Gazette

• Conviction and Sentence: A jury found him guilty of preparing acts of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, along with two counts of possessing a bladed article. The presiding judge handed down a life sentence, establishing that he must serve at least 20 years in custody before becoming eligible for parole consideration.

  Renfrewshire Gazette