Ex-IDF Soldier Charged with Planning to Join ISIS Abroad

Israel's State Prosecution has filed an indictment against Khamis Suaed, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and resident of the Galilee, who allegedly planned to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization.

Suaed, who served as a tracker in the IDF between 2017 and 2019, reportedly intended to fight for ISIS in Syria or Africa and had been saving money to fund his plan. As part of his preparations, he watched videos of killings and beheadings to mentally prepare himself, studied combat methods and weapons use, and viewed lectures by senior ISIS figures.

Over the past year, Suaed also downloaded guides on manufacturing missiles and drones, sniper rifle usage, and military tactics. The indictment was filed last week.

This case follows a similar indictment filed against two other northern residents, a 16-year-old minor and a 19-year-old, who allegedly planned attacks on the Temple Mount and an IDF base in northern Israel after pledging allegiance to ISIS.