Israeli security forces arrest Palestinian over social media posts

Israeli security forces have arrested a 22-year-old Palestinian man from Beit Sahour on suspicion of incitement and publicly praising senior figures in the militant group Hamas, police said.

The arrest took place overnight during a preventative security operation carried out by the Yehuda “Arrow” special patrol unit, with intelligence support from the Israel Defence Forces’ Central Command and operational direction from the Judea and Samaria District control room, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

According to police, officers stopped a vehicle in which the suspect was travelling near his home and carried out a rapid arrest at the scene. During a search, a knuckle-duster was allegedly found in his possession.

The suspect was taken for questioning at the Etzion police station.

Investigators say he is suspected of posting inciting content against the State of Israel on social media.

Police allege that his posts included praise for senior Hamas leaders, as well as a propaganda video glorifying the October 7 attacks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev