ISIS in Iraq with flag (file)
ISIS in Iraq with flag (file)Reuters

As the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) continues its bloody conquest of Iraq and Syria and begins invading Lebanon, all in the name of establishing a global Sunni Muslim caliphate system, signs of support for the extremist are being seen among Israel's Arab citizens.

Channel 10 exposed on Sunday that in recent months black ISIS flags have been commonly seen in Arab-Israeli towns in northern and coastal Israel, notably in the cities of Nazareth and Akko.

The flags have been seen flying among both Muslim and Christian Arab citizens of Israel, an ironic move given that ISIS in Iraq has emptied cities of their Christian populations by issuing them an ultimatum either to convert to Islam, pay non-Muslim jhizya taxes - or die.

In response to the widespread photos of ISIS flags flying in Nazareth, Ali Salem, mayor of the city, claimed "there are no things like that in Nazareth, and whoever sends (photos) is a deceiver and liar."

The report also exposed a wide-reaching trend on Facebook, in which Arab-Israeli youths take pictures of themselves bearing ISIS flags, sometimes wearing the flags draped around their shoulders.

More evidence of the growing ISIS support among Arab citizens of Israel was presented in video footage of an Arab protest in Akko's Old City, in which protesters could be seen waving large black ISIS flags in the Israeli city.

IS has rapidly expanded its strength since launching a blitz offensive in Iraq in June, and later declaring itself a caliphate.

It has captured numerous weapons in Iraq, including a long-range Scud missile which it transferred to Syria, and which a member of the group threatened is "heading towards Israel."

A video uploaded by the group in July revealed that IS terrorists are active in Gaza as well, firing rockets on Israeli civilian centers in cooperation with the Hamas terrorist organization.

The extremist group has been enjoying wide support, including a pro-ISIS anti-Semitic demonstration in Holland. Meanwhile in response to ISIS's rapid expansion, the US last Friday launched its first strikes on the group, in what was defined as "limited airstrikes."

US President Barack Obama was careful to emphasize he would not authorize further military action, such as troop deployment.