An Arab-Israeli citizen and former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier has been charged with preparing to fight abroad alongside the Islamic State (ISIS), Israeli authorities said on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as Khamis Sawaed, a resident of the northern Bedouin village of Hussniyya, is in his 30s and previously served in the IDF between 2017 and 2019. According to the indictment, he developed an interest in ISIS several years after completing his military service and later began preparing himself for a possible trip overseas to join the jihadist group.
The Haifa District Attorney’s Office filed the indictment against Sawaed at the Haifa Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors also requested that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
Israel Police and the Shin Bet security agency said Sawaed had been arrested for questioning in recent weeks. The investigation uncovered evidence that he had been consuming ISIS-related material and studying military techniques as part of his identification with the terror organisation.
Interest in ISIS began in 2023
According to the indictment cited by Hebrew-language media, Sawaed became interested in ISIS in 2023.
Investigators allege that his interest subsequently developed into preparations to travel abroad and fight alongside members of the group.
The indictment reportedly states that Sawaed began watching military training videos in 2024. The material included instructions and demonstrations related to warfare, as well as the production of missiles and drones.
Authorities allege that his interest in the material was not merely academic but connected to his intention to eventually leave Israel and join ISIS abroad.
According to the indictment, Sawaed considered travelling either to Syria or to an African country where ISIS-linked groups operate. The investigation is therefore examining his plans to reach an area where he could fight alongside members or affiliates of the organisation.
Watched ISIS executions
Israeli media also reported that investigators found evidence that Sawaed had watched graphic ISIS execution footage, including videos of beheadings.
According to Channel 12, the material was viewed as a way of psychologically preparing himself and becoming accustomed to violence before potentially joining the group.
The allegations are part of the prosecution’s case against Sawaed. As the case proceeds, the court will determine whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for the charges brought against him.
Former IDF service highlighted in investigation
Sawaed’s previous service in the IDF is a significant element of the case. According to the indictment, he served in the Israeli military from 2017 to 2019 before his interest in ISIS emerged in 2023.
Authorities have not indicated that his military service itself was connected to the ISIS activity. Rather, the prosecution alleges that several years after leaving the IDF, he became increasingly interested in the jihadist organisation and began consuming material related to combat and weapons.
The case also comes against the backdrop of continued Israeli security concerns over ISIS-inspired activity among some Arab citizens of Israel.
Previous ISIS-related cases in Israel
Israeli security agencies have arrested and prosecuted a number of Arab citizens in recent years over support for ISIS, including cases involving plans to carry out attacks inside Israel.
In one prominent case, five Arab Israeli residents of Tayibe were accused of plotting an attack on Tel Aviv’s Azrieli shopping complex in 2024, including an plan involving a car bomb.
Last week, the Shin Bet and police also announced the indictment of two teenagers from the Galilee who were accused of researching explosives with the intention of carrying out ISIS-inspired attacks against Israeli security forces on the Temple Mount.
ISIS, which once controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria, has lost most of the territory it once held but continues to operate through clandestine networks and affiliated groups in several regions.
The organisation has also previously called on supporters in Israel to carry out attacks. Israeli authorities have subsequently maintained a close watch on suspected ISIS supporters and individuals accused of attempting to join or assist the group.
In Sawaed’s case, prosecutors are alleging that his activities went beyond ideological sympathy and included preparations for military training and a possible journey abroad to fight alongside ISIS. The court proceedings will determine the outcome of those allegations.
