Police accuse Taybeh man of joining Islamic State, spying on troops

Police say they arrested a man from the Arab town of Taybeh who swore allegiance to the Islamic State group and sought to attack Israel to avenge the war in Gaza.

The suspect, named in a statement from the police and Shin Bet as Kamel Nashef, 21, is also accused of tipping off operatives in the West Bank city of Tulkarem by sending them photos of troops on their way there.

Nashef is accused of making contact with figures who identify with ISIS, also known as Daesh, starting in summer of 2024.

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

A video published by police of the arrest shows a rifle and Palestinian and Islamic state flags allegedly found in his home. It is unclear when the arrest took place.

Nashef is set to be indicted today, the statement says.