ISA Press Release: Israeli Citizen Arrested for Islamic State Links
(Communicated by the ISA)

The following has been cleared for publication:

In a joint ISA-Israel Police operation, on 6 June 2017, Muhammad Ahmed
Azzam, born in 1993, an Israeli citizen, a resident of Kfar Manda, was
arrested in the wake of information to the effect that he supports and
identifies with Islamic State, that he is in contact with IS militants and
supporters, and that he was making preparations to join the organization and
the fighting.

In his investigation, it was learned that Azzam supports the IS idea,
followed IS propaganda online and recently made tangible preparations to
leave for the combat zone in order to join the ranks of IS fighters. It was
also learned that Azzam was in online contact with several IS fighters who
were assisting him in his aforesaid preparations.

The State Attorney (Haifa District), today (Sunday), 25 June 2017, in Haifa
District Court, filed an indictment against Azzam.

The ISA views Israelis who support IS, are in contact with it and who go to
fight in its ranks, as a severe strategic threat. The ISA will, therefore,
continue to monitor suspects and take the necessary enforcement measures in
order to thwart the dissemination of the IS ideology in Israel and prevent
Israelis from joining its ranks as fighters.

IS is currently withdrawing, and is in trouble, in most areas of fighting.
The reality on the ground is in complete contrast to the seemingly positive
picture that the organization is trying to broadcast, mainly online, to
potential recruits. It should be noted that the lives of IS members in the
areas of fighting are under constant threat even as they cope with very
severe living conditions.