Israeli Doctor Charged with Pledging Allegiance to ISIS, Possessing Terrorist Materials
A 34-year-old doctor from Soroka Medical Center has been arrested on charges of supporting the Islamic State (ISIS) and accessing extremist content online, according to a joint statement from the Israel Police and Shin Bet security agency on Thursday.
Muhammad Azzam, a specialist at the southern Israeli hospital, was detained a month ago. Details of the arrest were previously under a gag order. Authorities disclosed that Azzam, who hails from the northern Arab city of Nazareth and is currently a resident of Beersheba, has been expressing interest in ISIS since 2014.
The indictment, filed on August 8, accuses Azzam of pledging allegiance to the new ISIS leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, in the wake of the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. His cellphone allegedly contained graphic videos of executions, beheadings, and dismembered bodies, as well as instructional materials on making explosives and poisons, including ricin.
Investigators claim Azzam shared these materials via WhatsApp with an acquaintance, exhibiting apparent enthusiasm in their communications. In one instance, he reportedly discussed the condition of wounded IDF soldiers brought to Soroka, expressing a desire for the death of one soldier.
Authorities have labeled Azzam a public threat, particularly due to his role as a medical professional. Soroka Medical Center has issued a statement expressing shock at the allegations and asserting trust in the ongoing investigation and legal process.
