Israeli Arab Man Charged With Planning to Join ISIS

An indictment was filed Wednesday at the Haifa Magistrate's Court against Khamis Sawad, a 30-year-old resident of the village of Al-Husayniya in the Galilee region of northern Israel. Sawad is accused of "training or receiving instruction for terrorist purposes," specifically for allegedly preparing to join the Islamic State (ISIS) and fight abroad.

According to the indictment, filed by Haifa District Prosecutor's Office lawyer Sigaf Adler, Sawad began showing increased interest in ISIS in 2023, which continued until his arrest last August. Prosecutors claim he developed ideological support for the group.

In 2024, Sawad allegedly decided to travel to Syria or an African country to join ISIS, beginning his preparations by consuming content and lectures from the group's leaders and saving money for the trip. The indictment notes that Sawad, who served in the Israeli military between 2017 and 2019, continued to follow and download instructional materials related to combat and military operations in 2026.

Prosecutors allege the materials Sawad viewed included videos and guides on manufacturing rockets and drones, as well as weapon use and military tactics, all intended to prepare him for and contribute to ISIS activities. Sawad faces charges of committing offenses related to training or receiving instruction for terrorist purposes, with the court set to consider the charges and subsequent legal proceedings.