Doctor Sentenced to 27 Months for ISIS Membership After October 7 Attack

A Beer Sheva Magistrate's Court judge has sentenced Dr. Mohammed Azam, a doctor formerly employed at Soroka Hospital, to 27 months in prison for membership in the ISIS terrorist organization. The sentence also includes a suspended sentence and a fine of 15,000 shekels. Azam was convicted after a trial during which prosecutors presented evidence of his prolonged ideological radicalization. He swore allegiance to ISIS's leader following the October 7th massacre and was found to possess manuals on preparing explosives and poisons on his devices.

Court documents revealed that from 2014 until his arrest in July 2024, Azam systematically consumed ISIS propaganda. His identification with the organization deepened over the years, culminating in his decision to join ISIS and pledge loyalty to its leader during the "Swords of Iron" war, following the October 7th attacks. The court emphasized that his actions were not mere curiosity but indicated a deep, ongoing radicalization process and the development of operational capabilities.

Judge Shosh Shitrit highlighted that Azam's possession of operational materials posed a severe potential threat to national security and public safety. The prosecution had sought a lengthy prison sentence, citing the severity of the case, including the duration of his radicalization, the volume of material he accumulated, his joining ISIS during wartime, and the potential risk stemming from his profession as a doctor. The court stressed the need for a deterrent punishment for terrorism offenses.

In addition to the prison time, which accounts for time already served, Azam received a 12-month suspended sentence and the fine. Prosecutor Hofit Kantrovitz stated that the case was serious, involving an Israeli citizen who joined ISIS, swore allegiance after October 7th, and consumed terror content, including combat and execution videos, while downloading bomb-making and poison guides. Kantrovitz also noted the court's emphasis on the stark contrast between Azam's role as a doctor, dedicated to compassion and saving lives, and his choice to join a murderous terrorist group. Azam's details have been forwarded to the Ministry of Health for consideration of revoking his medical license.