Dentist arrested for social media posts praising Hamas, supporting terror

Police opened their investigation after the suspect posted the slogan “It’s jihad – victory or martyrdom” on social media.

An East Jerusalem dentist was arrested Thursday for social media posts praising Hamas and inciting violence, Israeli police said.

Police opened their investigation after the suspect posted the slogan “It’s jihad – victory or martyrdom” on social media. During their investigation, they discovered other materials supporting terrorism and inciting violence, shared by the suspect on social media or recorded on his cell phone.

The suspect, aged 45, was arrested by police detectives on Thursday and taken to the police station. He was then taken to the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where his detention was extended until January 12 for the continuation of the investigation.

Knesset Health Committee Chairman: “This is not a new phenomenon”

“The shocking reports about the doctor who was arrested today after identifying himself and expressing support for terrorism are a painful reminder of a reality that we must not accept,” Knesset Health Committee Chairman Limor Son Har-Melech said of the arrest.

“Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon or isolated cases, but a deep defect that has infiltrated our health system under the cover of silence and inclusion.”

Har-Melech said she organized a discussion about doctors in the Israeli health system who support terrorism.

“We will demand clear answers: how did we get to this situation, and how does the State of Israel intend to act to permanently eliminate anyone who undermines our existence?”