Israeli Arabs arrested after plot to join ISIS uncovered

In a case that has raised serious security concerns, it was cleared for publication on Sunday that two Israeli Arab residents of Jerusalem, aged 34 and 19, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization overseas. The arrests were made a few weeks ago by the Jerusalem District Police Central Unit, following an investigation coordinated with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

According to law enforcement sources, the suspects were found to have expressed active support for ISIS and had been planning for some time to travel abroad and enlist in the terror group’s ranks. As part of their efforts, the two contacted Islamic State operatives based overseas and made travel arrangements to Turkey and Jordan, intending to use these countries as transit points before eventually reaching an ISIS stronghold in Africa.

Their travel plans, however, took an unexpected turn. At a certain point during their journey, the suspects reportedly reconsidered their decision. Nevertheless, their activities raised enough suspicion that upon their return to Israel, they were closely monitored. Acting on intelligence gathered by the Shin Bet, detectives from the Jerusalem District Police apprehended the two immediately after they landed back in Israel.

Following their arrest, the suspects were subjected to intense interrogation at the Jerusalem District Police headquarters. Investigators pieced together a clear timeline of their intentions and efforts to affiliate themselves with the Islamic State, a group known for its brutality and global terrorist campaigns.

Subsequently, authorities filed a statement of intent to indict the two individuals. Their detention has been extended for several days as the legal process moves forward. An official indictment is expected to be submitted imminently.

This case highlights the persistent threat posed by radical Islamist ideologies even within Israel’s borders and underscores the critical work of Israel’s security services in pre-empting potential acts of terror before they materialize.