Northern Resident Charged Fourth Time for ISIS Sympathies

For the fourth time in recent days, prosecutors have filed an indictment against a resident of northern Israel accused of identifying with the Islamic State (ISIS) terror organization. Yaakov Shibli, 19, from the town of Shibli in northern Israel, was charged with joining a terror organization. The indictment was filed at the Nazareth-Jaffa District Court by attorney Marina Rosenfeld.

According to police, Shibli was arrested on August 16th during a joint operation by the Northern District's Central Unit and the Shin Bet security agency. Investigations by the Shin Bet and the Northern District police revealed that Shibli expressed sympathy for ISIS, viewed content about the terror group, and pledged allegiance to them.

This case follows three other indictments filed recently against residents of northern Israel for similar expressions of support for ISIS. The Shin Bet and Israel Police stated, "The Shin Bet and Israel Police are acting decisively against any activity that endangers the security of the state and its citizens, and against any activity in which Israeli citizens seek to act on behalf of terror organizations against Israelis. They will continue to act decisively to thwart any activity against the State of Israel."