IDF special forces in action. (Photo: IDF)

Israeli security recently arrested an Israeli-Arab from Nazareth who had joined ISIS.

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) announced on Sunday the arrest of an Israeli Arab upon his return from Syria and Iraq, where he had been fighting alongside the Islamic State (ISIS, ISIL) terror organization.

Israel outlawed ISIS in September 2013 in accordance with a Shin Bet recommendation.

Maharan Yussuf Khaladi, 20, of Nazareth, was arrested in January after landing at Ben Gurion Airport.

Khaladi was indicted on Sunday at the Nazareth District Court for membership and activity in an illegal organization, contacting a foreign agent, participating in military training, traveling abroad illegally and completing property transactions with terrorists.

Khaladi revealed during his investigation the extent to which ISIS propaganda is effective. Deeply impressed by their online materials and clips, he decided to join them.

In October 2014 he flew to Turkey. There, he contacted an ISIS terrorist via Facebook and established a way of crossing into Syria with the help of an ISIS smuggler.

Upon crossing the border, Khaladi was sent to an ISIS training camp, where he met other Israeli Arabs. He underwent training for three weeks, including physical training, the use of weapons and indoctrination.

After concluding basic training, Khaladi requested to serve in a special unit and was sent to fight with ISIS in Fallujah, Iraq. There he acquired weapons and explosives training and went into battle.

While placing explosives near advancing Shi’ite forces, he was wounded, likely by a US-led airstrike. Several other terrorists were killed in the incident.

Khaladi was evacuated for medical treatment at an ISIS-controlled hospital in Fallujah. After recuperating for three weeks, he received a special permit to return to Syria to meet with his family. He was subsequently arrested on his return to Israel.

Growing Stream of ISIS Terrorists in Israel?

Khaladi is one of several Israeli Arabs who joined or attempted to join ISIS.

In January, an Israeli security official announced that Shin Bet had successfully apprehended an ISIS terror cell in northern Israel. Security forces took down an ISIS cell in Hebron in November and yet another group of terrorists in October upon their return from Syria.

Israeli security stressed that Israeli Arabs who join ISIS and return with combat experience and knowledge pose an extreme danger to Israel. The Shin Bet fears that they will use their know-how against Israeli targets or serve as spies for ISIS or other terror organizations.

By: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel