TERROR IN THE GALILEE: ISIS Loyalist Arrested for Plotting Shooting Attack on IDF Soldiers
A 20-year-old resident of Nahef has been charged after swearing allegiance to ISIS and planning a shooting attack on IDF soldiers in Karmiel. This is the second arrest of an ISIS-affiliated Galilee resident as security forces warn of rising domestic radicalization.
A 20-year-old Israeli citizen from the Galilee town of Nahef has been arrested for allegedly swearing allegiance to ISIS and planning a terrorist attack against IDF soldiers.
In a joint operation by the Shin Bet (ISA) and the Northern District’s Central Unit (YAMAR), Muhammad Abd al-Ghani was taken into custody several weeks ago. The investigation culminated Thursday morning with the filing of a formal indictment at the Nazareth District Court.
The Investigation and Findings
Security forces revealed that Al-Ghani had undergone a process of radicalization, leading him to pledge loyalty to the Islamic State months ago.
During his interrogation, the following details emerged:
He planned to carry out a shooting attack against IDF soldiers in the city of Karmiel. He tried to purchase a handgun to execute the plot. During a raid on his home, investigators found ISIS flags, symbols, and posters displayed on his walls, indicating a deep identification with the group's extremist ideology.
Rise in Domestic ISIS Activity
The Shin Bet and Israel Police issued a joint statement emphasizing the severity of Israeli citizens operating under the banner of global terror organizations.
"We view with great severity the expansion of this phenomenon where Israeli citizens seek to act on behalf of terrorist organizations against Israelis," the statement read. "We will continue to act with determination to thwart any activity against the State of Israel."
Security officials noted that this is the second such case in recent months involving residents of northern Israel. In December, a 15-year-old minor was arrested after also swearing allegiance to ISIS and taking practical steps to prepare for an attack.
A Growing Concern
Security assessments suggest a rise in the threat level posed by the Islamic State within Israel since the outbreak of the current war. Despite ISIS being declared "defeated" years ago on a territorial level, the organization continues to recruit supporters globally via social media and the internet, specifically targeting youth to carry out "lone-wolf" operations.
The prosecution has requested that Al-Ghani remain in custody until the conclusion of all legal proceedings.