In an unprecedented move, an indictment was announced today (Sunday) against a 62-year-old journalist from Shefa-‘Amr, who also serves as a stadium announcer for a Premier League soccer team, on charges of incitement and supporting the Hamas terror organization. The investigation was launched after multiple complaints were filed with the Israeli police regarding inflammatory statements he made during a televised interview on Al-Aqsa TV, a Hamas-affiliated channel.
Statements Against the IDF and the State of Israel
During the interview, the suspect referred to the IDF as “the enemy’s army” and “the army of occupation,” adding that “only weak-minded individuals join and serve in the enemy’s army.” These statements sparked widespread outrage and led to a police investigation.
“We Will Not Tolerate Support for Terror Organizations”
On February 25, police raided the suspect’s home and arrested him for questioning at the Northern District’s Crime Investigation Unit. Authorities are investigating whether his remarks constitute public praise, sympathy, and identification with a terror organization, as well as potential illegal contact with a foreign agent, given that the interview aired on a banned terrorist-affiliated network.
Northern District Police Commander Maj. Gen. Meir Eliyahu addressed the arrest, stating: “The Israel Police operates decisively with all available tools to prevent any act that endangers national security and the safety of its citizens. We will not tolerate any form of incitement or support for terror organizations. Anyone involved in such offenses will face the full consequences of the law.”
Security officials stress that this case sends a clear message to anyone attempting to destabilize the country or publicly endorse terror groups. “We will not allow any individual to use media platforms or sports arenas to spread dangerous messages,” police officials said.
“A Firm Stance Against the Use of Media for Incitement”
A month ago, Bnei Sakhnin stadium announcer and radio host Said Hassanain was dismissed from his position following statements in support of Hamas and Nasrallah, as well as his reference to the IDF as “the army of occupation” and “the enemy’s army.” His remarks sparked public outrage, leading to his immediate dismissal from the club. Additionally, the Government Press Office announced that his journalist accreditation would be revoked, citing a firm stance against using media platforms for incitement and the dissemination of dangerous rhetoric.
As previously reported, Hassanain was arrested on incitement charges following an in-depth investigation into his statements made during an interview on Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV. Based on the findings, an indictment was filed today against him for supporting a terrorist organization and inciting violence against the State of Israel and it’s soldiers.
