Police reveal pro-army Arab priest under investigation

A Greek Orthodox priest who has been honored by Israel for promoting military conscription among Christian Arabs is the subject of a criminal investigation, police said Monday.

The probe into Father Gabriel Naddaf involves suspected crimes he committed a few years ago, police said, without detailing the alleged offenses.

The more than year-long investigation has been wrapped up by detectives and the findings turned over to the State Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether to pursue charges.

The revelation of the probe into Naddaf came after the Haifa Magistrate’s Court partially lifted a gag order on the case.

Police said further details of the investigation remain under gag order until July 7.

Naddaf has been praised by many in Israel for encouraging Christian Arabs to join the Israel Defense Forces, though he has also been criticized by Arab lawmakers for his work and threatened. Arabs in Israel are not required by law to perform military service.

In 2016 Naddaf lit a ceremonial torch during Israel’s official Independence Day celebrations in recognition of his advocacy. His participation in the ceremony came just days after Israeli television published recordings and transcripts of conversations in which Naddaf appeared to offer young Israeli and Palestinian men help in exchange for sexual favors.

Naddaf denied the allegations and said they were meant to discredit him and his family.