The South District Prosecutor's Office has submitted an indictment to the Be'er Sheva (Beersheba) District Court against an Arab-Israeli citizen, Hamza Abu Zaila, for affiliating with ISIS and attempting to recruit fellow Israeli citizens to the organization.
This incident unfolds in the context of a joint operation executed by the Shin Bet and the Southern District of the Israel Police. In July 2023, Abu Zaila, a 20-year-old resident of the Bedouin city of Rahat, was arrested and interrogated on suspicion of committing security offenses inspired by the internationally recognized terrorist organization ISIS. The inquiry, spearheaded by the Shin Bet and the central Police District of the Negev region, culminated in an official indictment against him.
תושב רהט בן 20 נאשם שהצטרף לדאעש וניסה לגייס אנשים נוספים לארגון. הצעיר החל לצפות בתכנים של ארגון הטרור דרך הרשתות ופנה לפעילי דאעש שונים - שהציעו לו לבצע פיגוע בישראל. במהלך שיחותיו עם בן דודו הוא אף הציע לו לפגוע ביהודים באמצעות כלי נשק או סכין@Itsik_zuarets
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) August 25, 2023
The indictment, penned by attorney Avraham Biton, reveals a disturbing narrative of radicalization. Around a year ago, Abu Zaila began immersing himself in content related to ISIS via social media platforms. This content spanned various subjects, including detailed accounts of the organization's battles, profiles of its operatives, and more. Such exposure ignited within Abu Zaila a growing admiration for ISIS and its underlying ideology.
Considering himself a "Mujahid," or a freedom soldier of God, Abu Zaila's admiration evolved into active support. He pledged allegiance to ISIS, embracing principles that mandate obedience to the organization's ruler. His newfound identity was not confined to mere passive endorsement; it translated into active advocacy.
Throughout the past year, Abu Zaila took it upon himself to champion the cause of the Islamic State. He communicated with various acquaintances, extolling the virtues of ISIS, and attempted to convince them that adherence to the Islamic State's doctrine was the righteous path. He showcased videos, photos, and religious articles that glorified the organization, utilizing platforms such as “Tik Tok” to disseminate his beliefs.
כשאני רואה את הניסיונות של דאעש להרים כאן ראש ולפגוע בערביי ישראל, וכשאני מביט סביב למדינות ערב וגם לגדה ולעזה ואני רואה את ארגוני הטרור השולטים שם ואת הדיכוי והחיים תחת משטרים אלימים אני אומר תודה לאל שאני חי במדינה יהודית ודמוקרטית.
— יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) November 21, 2022
וקחו סקופ- רוב רובם של ערביי ישראל חושבים ככה pic.twitter.com/fnM8mr98Ws
During 2022, Abu Zaila's support for ISIS escalated into a resolve to become an active member. He initiated contact with various activists outside Israel and engaged with websites and social media channels affiliated with ISIS. In these online interactions, some activists suggested that, since Abu Zaila was unable to travel to their operational areas, he should instead execute an attack within Israel.
Alarmingly, his radicalization extended to his personal relationships. Conversations with his cousin revolved around support for ISIS, and he even contemplated the notion of inflicting harm upon Jews using any available weapons.
The charges leveled against Abu Zaila are grave. They include contact with a foreign agent, membership in a terrorist organization, and an attempt to conspire to commit an act of terrorism. His case underscores the terrifying potential for online radicalization, a phenomenon that poses an ongoing challenge to security agencies worldwide.
The Israeli authorities' swift action in arresting Abu Zaila demonstrates the nation's commitment to thwarting threats to its security. Yet, the ease with which individuals can be radicalized online raises questions about the broader societal mechanisms that may contribute to this phenomenon.
A 20-year-old resident of the Bedouin city of Rahat in southern #Israel, was indicted for joining the terror group #ISIS and for attempts to recruit others.https://t.co/aXvaqZNpLQ
— All Israel News (@all_israel_news) August 25, 2023
As the case against Abu Zaila proceeds, it offers a stark reminder of the complex landscape of terrorism, internet culture, and national security that Israel navigates daily. It also highlights the need for continuous vigilance, education, and intervention strategies to counteract the insidious influence of extremist ideologies.
