Israeli security forces have arrested a resident of the central Arab-Israeli city of Kafr Qasim on suspicion of attempting to join the Islamic State terrorist organisation in Syria.
The suspect was taken into custody by police officers and Shin Bet agents, police confirmed.
According to the investigation conducted by the Shin Bet and Sharon District Police, the suspect consumed pro-ISIS content on social media and established contact with an individual affiliated with the organisation.
Police said that he subsequently pledged allegiance to the terrorist organisation and had "considered himself a member" of ISIS.
He was also believed to have actively disseminated ISIS content to fellow Arab-Israelis in his home town and attempted twice to go to Syria to join the group, travelling from Turkey. Both attempts were unsuccessful.
Following the conclusion of the probe, prosecutors moved to file an indictment against the man in court, police noted in the statement.
It comes after Israeli security forces arrested a 17-year-old resident Jisr az-Zarqa in March after he was accused of planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS.
During the investigation, it became clear the teen had repeatedly pledged allegiance to ISIS terrorists "and to the current caliph". Security forces found documents related to the production of explosives at his home.
Since the beginning of the Gaza War on October 7, 2023, Israeli security officials have investigated 80 counter-terror cases involving Arab-Israeli citizens. There have been at least 26 cases of citizens pledging allegiance to ISIS and other Islamist groups.
