Israel Indicts Bedouin Citizen Suspected of Spying for Gaza Terror Group

Israel pressed charges against a Bedouin citizen for enlisting in the Israeli military to collect intelligence and promote terrorist activities for a Gaza terror organization, a statement by the southern district prosecution office said on Thursday.

Israel arrested the suspect, 25-year-old Shada Abu-Alekhian from the Bedouin town of Hura, following a Shin Bet security probe into the matter – and two weeks after he enlisted in the army, in May 2022.

During his interrogation, the suspect said he identifies with terror groups in the Gaza strip, and admitted to seeking revenge on Israeli authorities that acted against his family's illegal construction – particularly the demolition of his father's house in Hura in 2019.

Later that year, Abu-Alekhian stole M4 carbine rifle, a magazine and a military laser pointer from IDF soldiers training in southern Israel. He then buried the stolen items near his home, and in 2019 moved the stolen M4 to Hebron with the help of his cousin.

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In 2021, Abu-Alekhian contacted a Gazan resident nicknamed "the doctor" on Facebook. According to the indictment, the suspect told the Gazan that he wishes to join Hamas' armed wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

"The doctor" connected between Abu-Alekhian and a Hamas militant, and the two spoke via the Telegram app.

The militant, who goes by the name "Abu Suliman", offered to pay Abu-Alekhian for his services, but the suspect refused. However, he did agree to photograph IDF bases and checkpoints near his home, as well as pass along information about military exercises and helicopter landing pads in the area.