North Israel Sees Spike in ISIS-Related Arrests

Israeli security forces have arrested a 19-year-old man from the village of Shibli in northern Israel on suspicion of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). The arrest, a joint operation by the Northern District Special Patrol (YAMAS) and the Shin Bet security agency, is part of a recent surge in cases linked to the extremist group in the region.

During his interrogation, the suspect, Yaqoub Shibli, reportedly viewed ISIS propaganda and swore loyalty to the organization. He is expected to be indicted for joining a terrorist organization. This marks the fourth such indictment in a short period involving residents from the north and the ISIS group.

The current case follows three other significant incidents in recent weeks. In two separate cases, two young men were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks. One, a 16-year-old minor from the Galilee, allegedly planned to target soldiers and police officers at the Temple Mount and a military base, after learning to construct explosive belts and communicating with ISIS operatives abroad. The other, 19-year-old Ibrahim Kaabiya from Haifa, also allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and planned an attack on an IDF base.

A third individual, Khamis Sawaed, in his 30s and a former IDF soldier from Husniyya in the Galilee, was arrested for allegedly preparing to join ISIS abroad. His investigation revealed he studied combat techniques, weapon use, and the construction of missiles and drones for terror purposes, with intentions to travel to Syria or Africa.

Shin Bet and police stated that since the start of the recent conflict, there has been an observed increase in the threat posed by ISIS and its supporters within Israel. They emphasized their commitment to thwarting any activities that endanger the state and its citizens, particularly those involving Israeli citizens acting on behalf of terror organizations.