A former Israeli military soldier has been charged with receiving training for terrorist purposes after prosecutors alleged that he prepared to join Islamic State (ISIS) and fight for the group in Syria or Africa.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Khamis Su’ad, 30, an Arab Israeli from Huseiniya in the Galilee, was arrested on August 2 following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police.
Prosecutors filed the indictment at Haifa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and asked that Su’ad remain in custody until the conclusion of the proceedings.
According to the indictment, Su’ad served in the Israel Defense Forces from 2017 to 2019. Prosecutors allege that from 2023 he developed an increasing interest in ISIS and began identifying with the organisation’s activities, values and objectives.
He allegedly visited websites and viewed social media content associated with ISIS. In 2024, prosecutors said, he decided to travel to Syria or Africa to fight for the organisation and began preparing for the journey.
The indictment alleges that Su’ad watched videos depicting killings and beheadings as part of his psychological preparation. He also allegedly studied weapons use and combat methods, watched religious lectures by senior ISIS figures and saved money for the planned trip.
During 2026, prosecutors allege, he downloaded manuals and watched videos on producing missiles and drones, using sniper rifles and other weapons, and employing military tactics.
He has been charged with receiving training or instruction in operational methods and weapons with the purpose of advancing the activities of a terrorist organisation or carrying out a terrorist act.
The prosecution said the case was supported by material recovered from Su’ad’s phones, including videos and manuals, and said he admitted the conduct during questioning.
Prosecutors have asked the court to keep him in custody, arguing that he poses a danger to public and state security and could obstruct or evade the proceedings. They said no alternative release conditions would adequately address those concerns.
Su’ad has no previous convictions, according to the detention request.
His case follows other ISIS-related cases announced by Israeli authorities in August.
On August 18, prosecutors charged Abdullah Gergawi, 20, from Segev Shalom, with allegedly planning an attack on a nightclub in Beersheba using a vehicle fitted with explosives. Police said he had communicated with ISIS supporters and intended to travel to Syria to join the organisation.
On August 28, police and the Shin Bet said prosecutors would indict a 16-year-old from the Galilee and Ibrahim Kaabiyya, 19, from Haifa, over alleged ISIS-linked plans. Authorities said the minor intended to attack Jewish police officers and soldiers on the Temple Mount, while Kaabiyya allegedly planned an attack on an IDF base in northern Israel.
Kaabiyya’s lawyer denied that his client had planned an attack, saying his interest in ISIS material was motivated by curiosity.
Unlike those cases, the indictment against Su’ad does not allege a planned attack inside Israel. It focuses on his alleged online training and preparations to travel abroad and fight for ISIS.
The court will now decide whether Su’ad should remain in custody while the case proceeds. The detention decision is separate from the question of his guilt.
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