The State Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment at the Central District Court against Amin Hassan Abd Al-Qader Azzam, 22 years old from Tayibe, for preparing to commit an act of terror involving kidnapping for the purpose of murder or extortion.
According to the indictment, the terrorist was preparing a plan to abduct an Israeli soldier in order to use him as a bargaining chip and force Israel to halt the war in Gaza.
The indictment states that Azzam browsed the internet and social media accounts and sites allegedly linked to the murderous Hamas terror group, and participated in discussions on the Telegram channel “Az-al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades Martyrdom Battalion” regarding updates published by the organization. It also noted that his participation in paintball training was intended, among other things, to “advance military readiness and practice firearms control” as part of preparing to carry out the kidnapping plan.
Against the backdrop of the fighting, it is alleged that Azzam decided to abduct IDF soldiers in order to force an end to the war against Hamas in Gaza. Subsequently, according to the indictment, he downloaded Hamas manuals describing combat methods, sought weapons from a person he spoke with about the situation in Gaza who was aware of his intent to abduct soldiers, and attempted to recruit additional accomplices. He also sought religious authorization for the act, asking someone whether Islamic law permits kidnapping people as a bargaining tool.
The indictment further alleges that Azzam began acquiring weapons and tactical equipment: he ordered a tactical vest and a radio online and attempted to obtain additional means to carry out the plan.
In a request to detain him until the completion of legal proceedings, the attorney noted that the danger he presents is exceptionally high given the current circumstances and the fact that he is “a citizen acting against the State.”