ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 15, 2023

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - December 15, 2023

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Israel Cooperates with Danish, Dutch, and German Authorities to Thwart Supposed Hamas Terror Attack
• EU Unblocks Funds for Hungary
• Russian Drone Crashes in NATO Member Romania

Israel Cooperates with Danish, Dutch, and German Authorities to Thwart Supposed Hamas Terror Attack

On December 14, 2023, at least seven individuals were arrested in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, reportedly planning terror attacks against Israeli and Jewish interests in Denmark. According to Israeli security officials, the arrested individuals had links to Hamas. European authorities, including the Dutch, have recently issued several warnings that the risk of a terror attack inspired by the war between Israel and Hamas is high. The holiday period also presents numerous soft targets that could appeal to lone attackers inspired by the war, like Christmas markets or Hanukkah events. Online propaganda issued by groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State has also called for an increase in attacks against the West following the war.

EU Unblocks Funds for Hungary

On December 13, 2023, the European Union unblocked EUR 10.2 billion (USD 11 billion) in EU cohesion funds for Hungary. The European Commission stated Hungary had made sufficient progress on judicial reform to receive the funds. This move comes ahead of an EU summit to discuss an aid package for Ukraine, which Hungary had previously threatened to veto. On December 12, an advisor to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Bloomberg Hungary would be open to unblocking the support package in exchange for releasing EUR 30 billion in funds for Budapest. EU officials may have released the EUR 10.2 billion as an attempt to convince Hungary to approve the Ukrainian aid package.

Russian Drone Crashes in NATO Member Romania

On December 14, 2023, a Russian drone crashed in Romania during air attacks on Ukraine. Romanian officials discovered a large crater in an uninhabited area close to the town of Grindu in Tulcea county near the Ukrainian port of Reni. Russian drones have previously landed in Romanian territory near border regions with Ukraine; however, any time a Russian aircraft lands in NATO territory risks significantly raising tensions in the region. Romania said it would summon Russia's ambassador to discuss the incident.