Arab Israeli resident of Taybeh with suspected ties to ISIS arrested for terror support

In a joint operation, forces from the Israel Police and Shin Bet arrested an Israeli Arab resident of Taybeh, Kamel Nashef (21), on suspicion of terror activity and support for terror groups. 

Nashef is suspected of pledging allegiance to ISIS and passing on information about activities of the security forces to terror organizations in Judea and Samaria (West Bank). 

During his interrogation, it emerged that Nashef watched ISIS content on social media and even made contact with terror operatives. At some point, he swore allegiance to ISIS, and security forces found ISIS paraphernalia in his room. 

The investigation revealed that Nashef actively supported terror groups by filming security forces en route to Tulkarm and relaying the footage via Telegram to terrorist organizations in the city, allowing them to prepare for the Israeli forces before they arrived.

The commander of the Sharon police unit, Ohad Goldenberg, said the investigation began with Nashef’s arrest. Only later did they discover that he had actively aided terror groups in Judea and Samaria. 

“Nashef swore allegiance to the ISIS terror group, saw himself as part of the group and even held materials identified with the group which were seized during his arrest,” the police statement read. 

A video of the arrest published by police showed a rifle and Palestinian and Islamic State flags in Nashef's room. Although the video was released today, it is unclear when he was arrested.

Goldenberg said, “At the end of the investigation it was decided to file a serious indictment against the suspect for membership in a terrorist organization, aiding the enemy in time of war, and other offenses.” 

The detectives believe that Nashef's motives for acting against the State of Israel stemmed from his ideological support for the ISIS organization, as well as his anger over the IDF's activity in the Gaza Strip. 

The Israel Police and the Israeli Security Agency stated that they take all terrorist activity seriously, including the transfer of information and logistical support to terror organizations operating in Judea and Samaria. 

“Israel Police and the Shin Bet will continue to take all the means at their disposal to thwart security threats and prevent any harm to the State of Israel and its residents,” the police said.