Police from the Judea and Samaria District detained former Knesset member and Higher Follow-Up Committee chairman Mohammed Barakeh on suspicion of incitement to terror. The arrest was carried out with the approval of the State Prosecutor’s Office after what police described as a harsh public speech that praised terrorist organizations and attackers.
According to the police statement, Barakeh is suspected of delivering a public address in 2022 that included expressions of praise, support and identification with terrorists and violent terror groups, and of directly calling to continue active struggle against Israel. The investigation was opened only after all required legal approvals were obtained from the State Prosecutor’s Office.
Barakeh, a former Hadash MK and a prominent figure in Israel’s Arab community, was questioned under caution. The case drew broad political attention because of his public role as head of the Higher Follow-Up Committee, which represents Arab citizens of Israel.
After hours of questioning, Barakeh was released under strict conditions. Police imposed a 30-day ban preventing him from entering Judea and Samaria, along with financial guarantees and additional monetary commitments. Police and security officials said the investigation is continuing and the evidence, including the speech recording, will be sent to the prosecution in the coming days for a final decision on whether to file a serious indictment for incitement to terror during wartime.
