ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials are now reporting that an operation involving Israel Police led to the discovery and arrest of an Israeli Arab ISIS cell in the municipality of Jaljulia. The cell members planned to head to Syria to join ISIS’ battle in that country.

The investigation began after 23-year-old Hamas Salah Salah of Jaljulia crossed the border into Syria with a paraglider from the Golan Heights on October 25, 2015. Israel’s intelligence community began its probe that same night, leading to the discovery of the cell.

On that same night, two other Jaljulia residents, brothers, were taken into custody; 26-year-old Jihad Nadal Yousef Hagla and 22-year-old Ahab Nadal Yousef Hagla. The brothers are known to the ISA as supporters of ISIS. Jihad was in Syria for a half year in 2013 and fought with ISIS. After returning home to Israel, he was arrested and imprisoned, released in November 2014.

The investigation led to additional arrests as well, four additional Jaljulia residents ranging in age from 18 to 28.

Indictments were filed against the suspects in custody in the Lod District Court on Wednesday, 6 Kislev.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)