Former Knesset member Mohammed Barakeh, who heads the Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, was arrested and taken for urgent warning interrogation on suspicion of serious incitement to terrorism. The arrest came after remarks he made at a public event, and police said the case centers on a 2022 speech.
According to the investigation material, Barakeh was heard in that speech praising terrorists, expressing strong sympathy and identification with terrorist organizations, and explicitly calling to launch an active struggle against the State of Israel. The criminal investigation began only after all required legal approvals were received from the State Attorney's Office.
The case drew attention because Barakeh is considered one of the most veteran and influential leaders in the Arab community. He previously served for years as a prominent MK for Hadash and now leads the community's official representative body.
After a lengthy interrogation at police headquarters, authorities decided to release him, but under strict and unusual restrictions. He was ordered to stay away from the West Bank for 30 consecutive days and was required to sign substantial financial guarantees and undertakings. Security officials said the file is not closed, investigators are still processing media and documentation from the speech, and the findings will be sent to prosecutors in the coming days for a rapid decision on whether to file serious incitement charges.
