Israeli security forces have arrested a 21-year-old resident of Tayibe, an Arab city in central Israel, on suspicion of involvement in Islamic State-inspired terrorist activity, authorities said on Thursday.
The suspect, Kamel Nashaf, was apprehended by detectives from the Sharon Crime Fighting Unit, Yasam counter-terrorism officers and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).
Investigators found that Nashaf had been consuming ISIS-related terrorist content on social media since the summer of 2024, and had established contact with terrorists affiliated with the group. He had also pledged allegiance to ISIS and possessed items linked to the organization.
According to the investigation, Nashaf sought to retaliate against Israel for its actions in Gaza and planned to participate in terrorist activities. Authorities revealed that he had filmed security forces en route to Tulkarem in Samaria and sent the footage via Telegram to terrorist operatives, helping them prepare for their arrival.
Prosecutors are set to file an indictment against Nashaf in the coming days.
Israel Police arrest four for online incitement, terror support
Also on Thursday, police announced that four eastern Jerusalem residents had been arrested for publishing and distributing inciting content and supporting terrorism online in recent months.
One individual in his 30s was detained for sharing images of senior Hamas terrorist leader Mohammed Deif, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza on July 13, and other inciting content. Additional suspects were identified through surveillance, and complaints were filed against them.
Authorities apprehended three of the suspects in the Old City after spotting them via the district’s control center. The investigation uncovered extensive materials promoting incitement and support for terrorism.