Failed asylum seeker jailed over attempted knife attack

A failed asylum seeker who tried to break into London’s Israeli embassy to launch a knife attack has been jailed for life.

Kuwait-born Abdullah Albadri, 34, was tackled by armed police after he jumped onto a fence at the embassy in Kensington, west London, armed with two 4in knives in April last year.

Wearing a keffiyeh wrapped around his head and sunglasses, he had tried to get into the grounds to “exact revenge” for the killing of children in Gaza, the Old Bailey heard.

On Monday, Mrs Justice Lambert KC sentenced Albadri to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years.

The court heard the sentence was adjusted to 18 years and 207 days less time served on remand.

Albadri appeared emotionless in the dock as the sentence was read out.

The court previously heard Albadri was refused asylum after he twice entered the UK in small boats in August 2021 and April 2025.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, said:

“Albadri’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack at the embassy was thwarted due to the courageous and swift actions of officers on duty, who prevented him from breaching the security perimeter.

“The significant prison sentence he has received reflects the danger he posed on the day and the lack of remorse he has shown since he was arrested.

“I want to praise the officers’ incredible bravery and professionalism, which, remarkably, resulted in nobody being seriously injured – despite being confronted by a man armed with knives, intent on carrying out a terrorist attack.

“Sadly, the Embassy has faced various security alerts in recent times. However, CTP works closely with the Embassy and our colleagues in the Met to continuously review and strengthen protective security plans to ensure the site and the wider community is kept as safe as possible.”

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