Days after Bondi Beach
Prosecutors: Israeli Arab Swore Allegiance to ISIS
A 20-year old Israeli Arab from Daburiyya, east of Nazareth, is accused of swearing allegiance to the Islamic State. He and another suspect not yet named planned to fly abroad to train with the terrorist group before returning and attacking Jews.
Israeli security forces have arrested a 20-year-old resident of northern Israel who swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to travel abroad for terrorist training, authorities announced.
The suspect, Kenan Azaiza of the Arab town of Daburiyya, was detained in recent weeks along with a second suspect from Acre, whose name has not been released.
According to police and Shin Bet investigators, Azaiza formally pledged loyalty to ISIS and maintained contact with a foreign operative affiliated with the terror organization. During interrogation, he expressed willingness to carry out attacks against Israeli security forces and police.
Investigators say Azaiza learned how to manufacture pipe bombs and other improvised explosives. Together with the second suspect, he also planned to travel to an enemy state in order to undergo operational training under ISIS auspices.
Both suspects were arrested before they were able to leave the country or carry out an attack.
Northern District prosecutors are expected to indict Azaiza in the Nazareth District Court on charges related to membership in a terrorist organization and contact with a foreign agent.
The arrests come amid heightened concern over ISIS-linked activity, days after terrorists associated with the group carried out a deadly attack at a Jewish event in Sydney.
Another reminder that the threat isn’t theoretical, distant, or confined to headlines abroad.