Palestinian Authority flag in Nazareth
Palestinian Authority flag in NazarethIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Authorities revealed on Wednesday that two Israeli Arabs—one of them a Muslim cleric—have been arrested for suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization, but the court placed a gag order on details. The phenomenon of Arab citizens of the country participating in terrorist actions has mushroomed over the past several years.

The latest arrest involves Nazem Mahmoud Abu Salim and Mohammed Zuhdi Naharany, residents of Nazareth, located in the Lower Galilee. Abu Salim has preached against Israel and the United States from his Nazareth mosque, and last year he protested the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the city.

Several weeks ago, 10 residents of a Nazareth area village were arrested by Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and police officials on suspicion of engaging in illegal weapons trading during the past two years.

Government officials previously have tried to pass off the involvement Israeli Arabs in terror as isolated incidents, but their participation in terrorist attacks has become routine in recent years. A Jerusalem Arab more than two years ago murdered  eight Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva students.

Three years ago, Azmi Bishara, who had been a long-time Arab Knesset Member, was indicted for treason and helping Hizbullah terrorists in the Second Lebanon War. He has fled the country.

Earlier this year, authorities arrested an Arab gang in the Galilee for attacking soldiers and stealing and then selling their rifles.

National Union Knesset Member Uri Ariel last March addressed Arab MK Gamal Zahalka as “Mr. Fifth Column” for telling the Knesset that Jewish construction in the Silwan Valley, opposite the Western Wall and Temple Mount site, would ignite a conflict in the Middle East.