Arab Israeli from Taybeh indicted over alleged plot to kidnap IDF soldier

An Arab Israeli man from Taybeh faces terror charges after he allegedly plotted to kidnap a soldier, with the goal of using him as a bargaining chip to force Israel to end the Gaza war.

Prosecutors indict the 22-year-old defendant, Amin Hassan Abdelqader Azzam, after he apparently tried to recruit others earlier this summer to assist him in the kidnapping attempt.

He had also been trying to obtain a weapon from a friend of his who encouraged him to follow through with the plan, and promised to procure a pistol or shotgun for him, according to the indictment filed today.

He had apparently sought religious permission to carry out his plan and posed the question to another associate, who told him that it was forbidden to take women and children hostage but permissible to do so with a soldier, further strengthening his resolve.

He was involved in online Hamas circles and practiced shooting with a paintball gun in order to prepare himself for combat. He also placed several orders online for walkie-talkies and a tactical vest to carry ammunition magazines, prosecutors say.

The defendant is charged in the Lod District Court with preparing to commit the terrorist act of kidnapping for the purpose of murder or extortion.