Police arrest 6 East Jerusalem residents for incitement

Israeli police on Monday morning arrested six Palestinians in East Jerusalem on suspicion of incitement to violence and terrorism on social networks.

Over the past few months, the suspects used their Facebook and Instagram accounts to spread incitement and encourage acts of terrorism and violence, which were shared and supported by their thousands of followers, a police spokesperson said.

During the course of the arrests, police confiscated computers, cellphones, and other media devices.

The investigation and the arrest order were carried out by the State Attorney’s Office and the Jerusalem District Attorney

Police said they have been working to end incitement, which they say is even more dangerous than direct support for terror attacks due to its wide exposure and its potential to inspire attackers.

Since a nearly year-long wave of terrorist attacks began in October 2015, Israeli security forces have vigilantly patrolled social networks for signs of radicalization and incitement, as many attackers posted their intentions prior to carrying out attacks, while others said they were inspired by calls for violence they saw on social networks.

Two Palestinians were also arrested in Hebron overnight Sunday by the IDF and police after a raid of their home uncovered a pistol, a hunting rifle, ammunition, body armor, and a computer with “incitement” messages, the army said.

Eight other West Bank Palestinians were arrested for alleged involvement in “popular terror operations,” which usually means rock throwing, and for violent disorderly conduct directed toward Israeli citizens and security services, the army said.

Three of the men detained are from the northern West Bank city of Qabatiya, one is from the town of Beit Fajjar near Bethlehem, while the other four are from the Jordan Valley. They were arrested in a joint operation by the IDF, Border Police, Israel Police, and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service.