Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinian Imam Near Cave of the Patriarchs Amid Large Prayer Gathering

During a major prayer event at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, where over 14,000 worshippers gathered under tight security, Israeli security forces conducted a targeted arrest of a Palestinian imam suspected of incitement to terrorism. The 70-year-old religious figure was apprehended approximately 200 meters from the site while working in his garden. The arrest was carried out by the operational unit "Arrow of Judah" from the Judea and Samaria district, based on intelligence gathered through continuous monitoring of social media incitement and coordinated efforts with the IDF Central Command.

Initial investigations indicate the imam actively spread severe incitement against Israel on social networks, encouraging attacks, widespread unrest, and violent incidents in the West Bank and other parts of Israel. During a search of his home, security forces confiscated his cellphone and laptop for further forensic analysis to uncover additional connections to inciters in the region.

The arrest coincided with a large-scale security operation protecting the thousands of worshippers at the Cave of the Patriarchs, involving hundreds of police officers, Border Police, IDF soldiers, and volunteers from the Yehuda district. Israeli security officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to aggressively counter incitement and terrorism online while maintaining robust protective measures for civilians and worshippers across all operational areas.