An American indicted for acquiring explosives to blow up Muslim sites in Jerusalem must remain in custody until his trial ends, an Israeli court ruled.

Adam Everett Livix, 30, of Illinois, was ordered held by the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court on Dec. 28. He was indicted on Dec. 9 for weapons possession and overstaying his tourist visa after being arrested by Israel police on Nov. 19.

Livix denies the charges, according to his attorney Gal Wolf.

Last week, a lone soldier from the United States was indicted for allegedly providing Livix, who is Christian, with the explosives and other weapons. The soldier claimed that Livix stole the materials while staying in his apartment.

Police said a Palestinian operative in the Palestinian Authority reportedly tried to recruit Livix to assassinate President Obama with a sniper rifle during the president’s visit in March 2013.

Livix reportedly is wanted in the United States on drug-related charges. He has been arrested for marijuana possession and theft. — jta