Arab Israeli arrested for plan to join Islamic State
Jaljulia resident became more religious, acquired guns, told IS he planned to join it in Syria, says Shin Bet
Sue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
The Shin Bet security agency has arrested an Arab israeli suspected of planning to join the so-called Islamic State (IS) organization in Syria, the agency revealed Wednesday.
The man — who was a minor during the activities for which he has been detained — comes from the central town of Jaljulia, near Kfar Saba.
The suspect recently became more religious and started supporting IS, a statement from the Shin Bet said.
He maintained contact with IS fighters in Syria and told them that he wanted to join the organization.
He also acquired an Uzi machine gun and a Glock pistol and photographed himself shooting into the air with both weapons.
Police were able to seize a large number of photographs which confirmed his support for IS and his use if the weapons, the statement said.
In October 2015, a 23-year-old resident from the same town successfully crossed the Golan Heights border on a hang glider to join jihadists in Syria.
That man was the only one of seven who tried to succeed in crossing the border.
Judah Ari Gross contributed to this report.
