Nazareth Resident Accused of Trying to Join Hamas, Plotting to Harm a Government Minister

The Israel Security Agency and the Northern District Police’s Yamar Emekim unit arrested Muhammad Awad, a 29-year-old Israeli citizen from Nazareth, on suspicion of working to advance terror activity and trying to make contact with Hamas in order to join its ranks.

According to the joint statement released today (Tuesday) by the Shin Bet and the police spokesperson, the investigation found that Awad approached Hamas מתוך רצון להשתלב בארגון ולקדם באמצעותו פעילות טרור. במסגרת החקירה התברר עוד כי, לפי החשד, הוא תכנן לבצע פגיעה בשר מכהן בממשלת ישראל. על פי דיווחים, היעד לפגיעה הוא השר לביטחון לאומי, איתמר בן גביר.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Israel Security Agency and the Yamar Emekim unit in the Northern District. As part of the operation, evidence was collected that led to the formation of the evidentiary basis against the suspect and to the continuation of criminal proceedings against him.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was transferred to the Northern District Prosecutor’s Office, which this morning filed a prosecutor’s declaration against Muhammad Awad in the Nazareth Magistrate’s Court in Nof HaGalil-Nazareth. The prosecutor’s declaration is a preliminary step ahead of the filing of an indictment against him in the coming days.

In the joint statement, security officials stressed that they view very seriously any attempt by Israeli citizens to take part in terror activity or assist terror organizations.