developing· Security· Updated 19:16

Bedouin Man Sentenced to 24.5 Years for Aiding Gaza Terror Group

The Beersheba District Court sentenced Shahada Abu Alqian, a Bedouin resident of the Negev, to 24.5 years in prison on Wednesday. Abu Alqian was convicted under a plea agreement of aiding an enemy during wartime, terror offenses, and weapons violations. The court also imposed a suspended sentence and a fine of 25,000 shekels, while the Interior Minister is reviewing his Israeli citizenship for potential revocation.

12 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 15:28

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Bedouin Man Sentenced to 24.5 Years for Aiding Gaza Terror Group — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01Shahada Abu Alqian was sentenced to 24.5 years in prison for spying for a Gaza-based terror group while enlisted in the IDF.
02The Beersheba District Court also imposed a suspended sentence and a 25,000 shekel fine, with his citizenship under review.
03Abu Alqian decided to seek revenge against Israel in 2019 after an administrative demolition order was issued for his father's home.
04In September 2019, he stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser sight from an IDF soldier near Yatir.
05He provided the terror organization Kata'ib al-Mujahideen with intelligence and photos of IDF bases, train stations, and troop movements.
06In March 2022, Abu Alqian and his cousin transferred the stolen rifle, thousands of bullets, and five hand grenades to Judea and Samaria.
07He enlisted in the IDF in May 2022 under his handlers' instructions to gather intelligence on Bedouin soldiers and military bases.
08Security forces arrested Abu Alqian and thwarted his espionage activities eight days after he joined the military.

According to the indictment, Abu Alqian decided to seek revenge against Israel in 2019 after an administrative demolition order was issued for his father's home. In September of that year, he stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser sight from an IDF soldier in the Yatir area. In 2021, he contacted Gaza-based terror operatives via social media and Telegram, expressing support for Hamas and subsequently operating on behalf of the terror organization Kata'ib al-Mujahideen.

Abu Alqian provided his handlers with photographs and intelligence on IDF bases, train stations, government companies, shopping centers, and troop and helicopter movements. In March 2022, he recruited his cousin, and together they transferred the stolen rifle, thousands of bullets, and five hand grenades to Judea and Samaria for the terror organization. Under his handlers' direction, Abu Alqian enlisted in the IDF in May 2022 to gather intelligence from within, specifically targeting information on Bedouin soldiers and military locations. Security forces arrested him eight days after his enlistment.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 10 newsrooms. Updated 18:56