Israeli Arab Charged with Aiding Hamas, Contacting Iran

An indictment was filed Friday morning against a 31-year-old resident of Tamra on serious security charges, following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet and the Northern District Police Central Unit. The defendant, Sultan Abu al-Hija, was arrested in late August by National Guard fighters in the Border Police.

According to the indictment filed in Haifa District Court through attorney Shir Moshayov of the Haifa District Attorney's Office, the investigation revealed that Abu al-Hija reached out multiple times to the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas terror organization in Gaza, with the aim of covertly assisting them.

The investigation further revealed that Abu al-Hija established contact with Iranian intelligence operatives, though he was arrested before he could carry out missions on their behalf. The suspected activity continued for an extended period until his arrest on August 28, 2026.

Arrest of the suspect (Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson)

The Shin Bet and Israel Police emphasized in a joint statement that they view with utmost severity any involvement by Israeli citizens in activity that endangers the security of the state and its citizens. The security agencies made clear they will continue to act according to the authority granted to them by law and will employ all means at their disposal to bring to justice those involved in such activity.

The case joins a series of security arrests carried out in recent months. Several days ago, a Palestinian journalist was arrested on suspicion of commerce with Iran and incitement, and last week an indictment was filed against a resident of Kafr Qasim who planned a terror attack against Amdocs.

The indictment against Abu al-Hija includes charges of contact with a foreign terror organization and attempted assistance to an enemy. The prosecution is expected to request his detention until the completion of legal proceedings.