Security officials on Wednesday lifted a gag order, permitting the publication of the arrest of two Rahat residents who are believed linked to Islamic Jihad and al-Qaeda. Arrests took place during the past two months. 

According to one report, the two were detected monitoring activities in southern IDF military bases, resulting in security officials assigning agents to monitor the activities of the Bedouin residents.

The suspects, Taher Abu Sakhut, 21, and Omar Abu Sakhut, 20, were indicted on Wednesday on charges including membership in a terrorist organization and conspiracy to harm state security.

The two were indeed studying and recording security arrangements and goings-on in southern bases, as well as entering Ben-Gurion International Airport on a number of occasions, apparently to observe security precautions and standard operating procedure of security personnel. They were also monitoring other potential targets, including Azriele Towers.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)