Israeli Forces Arrest Two Palestinians for Social Media Incitement Supporting Terrorism

Israeli police from the Judea and Samaria district, together with IDF Central Command forces, arrested two Palestinian men suspected of incitement and support for terrorism on social media. The suspects, residents of Ramallah and Dura, allegedly posted content praising the October 7 attacks, Hamas, and Iran. The arrests are part of an ongoing police initiative to monitor and combat online incitement encouraging harm to Israeli civilians and glorifying terrorist organizations.

One suspect, a 63-year-old man from Ramallah, was detained following the discovery of over 120 posts on his social media account praising the October 7 attack, supporting Iran during the conflict with Israel, and referencing damage in Dimona. During interrogation, he described himself as a poet and an expert in mathematics and agriculture. He was subsequently imprisoned pending further legal proceedings.

In a separate operation over the weekend, IDF soldiers arrested a 40-year-old Palestinian pharmacist from Dura in the Judea region. He allegedly posted inciting content to thousands of followers, including a photo from a missile strike site in Beit Shemesh accompanied by praise, and commendations for Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida on the day Hamas confirmed his targeted killing. He was transferred for questioning at the Hebron police station.

The Judea and Samaria police emphasized that efforts to identify online inciters will continue in cooperation with the IDF and Central Command as part of the fight against incitement and encouragement of terrorism. The police stated, "The actions of those calling for harm to Israeli citizens and encouraging terror do not escape our notice. We will continue proactive measures to locate suspects and bring them to justice."