Israel Shuts Down Three Arab Incitement Groups

The Shin Bet on Thursday shuttered several institutions identified with anti-Israel propaganda and incitement. The institutions included “Qpress,” a news site, the “Higher Committee for the Support of Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa,” and “Qurdurat,” which bills itself as a “personal development center,” with offices in Nazareth and Umm el-Faham. All three are associated with the Islamic Movement, and are responsible for copious amounts of anti-Israel propaganda, the Shin Bet said.

The former two especially have been instrumental in creating and promoting tension on Har HaBayis, conducting events and lectures designed to inflame the passions of Muslims against Jews. The groups also promote riots and other security violations, and attempt to harm the sovereignty of Israel. In recent days, officials said, Qpress has promoted numerous articles calling on Muslims to mass on Har HaBayis, apparently hoping to set off riots for the upcoming Yom Kippur and Sukkos, when masses of Jews will be in the Old City.

Earlier Thursday, police arrested seven Arab youths on charges of conducting ongoing attacks against Jews at Kever Rochel. The youths, ages 16-17, are residents of the A’ida refugee camp near Beit Lechem. The group threw stones and firebombs at soldiers, police and civilians, endangering the lives of dozens of people. The seven were detained in an IDF prison, and will be brought before a military judge for an extension of their remand.

Overnight Wednesday, security officials said they arrested seven wanted security suspects in other areas in Yehudah and Shomron. The suspects were wanted for participating in rioting and throwing stones and firebombs that endangered Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Several of the suspects were also charged with belonging to Hamas. All were being questioned on their activities by security forces.