In a joint Shin Bet -Israel Police operation, on 6 June 2017, Muhammad Ahmed Azzam, born in 1993, an Israeli citizen, a resident of Kfar Manda, was arrested in the wake of information to the effect that he supports and identifies with Islamic State, that he is in contact with ISIS militants and supporters, and that he was making preparations to join the organization and the fighting.

In his investigation, it was learned that Azzam supports the ISIS hashkafa, followed ISIS propaganda online and recently made tangible preparations to leave for the combat zone in order to join the ranks of ISIS fighters. It was also learned that Azzam was in online contact with several ISIS fighters who were assisting him in his aforesaid preparations.

An indictment was filed against Azzam on Sunday, 1 Tammuz, by the State Attorney Haifa District in Haifa District Court.

The Shin Bet reports it continues to monitor suspects and take the necessary enforcement measures in order to thwart the dissemination of the ISIS ideology in Israel and prevent Israelis from joining its ranks as fighters. It reports ISIS is currently withdrawing, and is in trouble, in most areas of fighting. The reality on the ground is in complete contrast to the seemingly positive picture that the organization is trying to broadcast, mainly online, to potential recruits. It should be noted that the lives of ISIS members in the areas of fighting are under constant threat as they cope with very severe living conditions.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)