Called for attacks and violence: Hebron resident arrested on suspicion of incitement
Israel Police arrested a 70-year-old imam from Hebron suspected of inciting terrorism on social media. The arrest took place while thousands of worshipers were visiting the Cave of the Patriarchs.
While thousands of worshipers arrived at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, fighters of the "Hetz Yehuda" operational arm of the Judea and Samaria District arrested a 70-year-old Palestinian cleric, a resident of Hebron, suspected of incitement against the State of Israel and calling for the execution of attacks and acts of violence.
The arrest was carried out about 200 meters from the Cave of the Patriarchs, while the suspect was gardening in his yard. The operation was conducted by the "Hetz" special forces unit under the direction of the "Roeh" operations room of the Judea and Samaria District, in cooperation with the IDF Central Command, which monitors inciting elements on social media.
According to preliminary investigation findings, the suspect, who serves as an imam in his area of residence, was active in incitement on social media and encouraged, among other things, the execution of attacks, acts of violence, and riots in Judea and Samaria. During a search of his home, the fighters seized the suspect's mobile phone and laptop. He was transferred for further investigation.
The arrest took place in parallel with increased security preparations at the Cave of the Patriarchs, where more than 14,000 worshipers were present. Hundreds of police officers, Border Police fighters, IDF soldiers, and volunteers were tasked with their security, with the assistance of additional police forces.
