The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Israel Police arrested Muhammad Awad, a 29-year-old Israeli citizen from Nazareth, on suspicion of promoting terrorist activity, police announced on Tuesday.
The investigation found that Awad had contacted the Hamas terrorist organization with the aim of joining and obtaining resources to carry out terrorist activity.
He is also suspected of planning to harm National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Following the investigation, the Northern District Attorney’s Office submitted a prosecutor’s declaration to the Nof HaGalil, Nazareth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday ahead of filing an indictment against Awad.
The Shin Bet and Israel Police said they view any involvement by Israeli citizens in activity that endangers the security of the state and its citizens with the utmost severity.
They added that they would use all means at their disposal to bring those involved in such activity to justice.
Ben-Gvir thanks Shin Bet, police for thwarting attempt
“This is the ninth time that terrorist organizations have targeted and tried to harm me,” Ben-Gvir said on Tuesday, following the announcement of Awad’s arrest.
He thanked the Shin Bet and police for thwarting the attack and “preventing terrorists from harming me and my family.”
“I will continue with prison reform, demolishing illegal homes, implementing the death penalty law for terrorists, ensuring that we become homeowners on the Temple Mount, opening emergency squads, and arming all Israeli citizens,” he said. “Do not scare me, and I will not be deterred by you.”
“I will continue to work 24/7 for the people of Israel.”
