Raed Salah has been arrested as Israel outlaws another terrorist organization linked to the Northern Islamic Movement. Salah, aged 66, was detained by police for questioning today (Tuesday) in connection with the activities of the organization he led, which has been outlawed due to its ties to Hamas and its ongoing subversive actions within Israel.
The crackdown follows an order signed by Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, declaring the "Afsha' al-Salam" (Committees for the Spread of Peace) illegal. This organization, which had initially claimed to work toward reducing violence in the Arab sector, was in fact a front for the Northern Islamic Movement’s terrorist activities. This move comes after months of intelligence-gathering and collaboration between the Shin Bet, Israel's Counter-Terrorism Economic Warfare Headquarters (CTEWH), and law enforcement agencies, including Lahav 433.
The Northern Faction of the Islamic Movement, which was banned in 2015 due to its ideological alignment with Hamas and its disruptive activities on the Temple Mount, continued to operate covertly through organizations like Afsha' al-Salam. These committees, which Salah founded in 2017, initially promoted local community peace efforts. However, it became clear that they were primarily serving as a vehicle for furthering the agenda of the Northern Islamic Movement, including the spread of radical views and the promotion of violence against Israel.
Afsha' al-Salam's operations, particularly after Salah's 2021 release from prison, expanded rapidly, with activists visiting schools in Arab communities to indoctrinate students into the militant ideology of the Islamic Movement. These activities were seen as part of a broader effort to maintain Salah's influence over the Arab population in Israel, and further entrench Hamas' reach.
The crackdown included the closure of the Afsha' al-Salam offices in Umm al-Fahm, the freezing of financial accounts linked to the group, and a warning to activists against continuing their illegal activities. While Salah was released after several hours of questioning, this incident marks another significant step in Israel’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security.
Raed Salah, who has been a vocal critic of Israel and a supporter of violence against Jews, has faced multiple arrests and convictions over the years. His radical rhetoric and actions have made him a central figure in the ongoing conflict. Despite his release, Israel remains vigilant in its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks within its borders, with the latest crackdown sending a strong message to those still engaged in promoting violence.
This action further solidifies Israel's commitment to countering terrorism and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies that threaten the security and stability of the region.
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