Negev resident who joined IDF on terror group’s orders sentenced to 24.5 years in prison

The suspect, Shehadeh Abu al-Kian, also gathered intelligence for the group and transported weapons to the West Bank, according to the prosecution.

A Negev resident has been sentenced to 24.5 years in prison for joining the IDF under the instructions of Kataib al-Mujahideen, a terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip involved in the murder of the Bibas family, the State Attorney’s Office said on Thursday.

He was also given a suspended sentence and a NIS 25,000 fine.

The suspect, Shehadeh Abu al-Kian, also gathered intelligence for the group and transported weapons to the West Bank, according to the prosecution.

The indictment stated that in 2019, Abu al-Kian wanted to “take revenge against Israel and harm its security” after a demolition order was issued for his father’s home, and subsequently stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser sight from an IDF soldier in the Yatir area.

Later, in 2021, Abu al-Qian established contact with terrorists in Gaza through social media and Telegram, and at one point asked to join Hamas’s military wing.

Acting on behalf of Kataib al-Mujahideen, Abu al-Qian provided information and photographs of IDF bases, railway stations, government-owned companies, and shopping centers. He also reported on the movements of soldiers and helicopters near his home.

Joined IDF to gather intel. on Bedouin soldiers

In 2022, Abu al-Kian was instructed to join the IDF with the intention of gathering information about Bedouin soldiers, bases, and military locations for Kataib al-Mujahideen, but was arrested about a week after his enlistment.

In 2025, Abu al-Kian was convicted under a plea agreement that included aiding the enemy during wartime, active membership in a terrorist organization, aggravated theft, carrying and transporting weapons, and dealing in weapons for terrorist purposes.

“This is an exceptionally serious case in which an Israeli citizen chose to act against the state, maintain ties with a terrorist organization, and even enlist in the IDF on behalf of a terrorist organization to gather information from within the military and harm state security,” Kantorovich, who prosecuted the case, said.

“It should be noted that, alongside the criminal proceedings, the defendant’s details were also forwarded to the interior minister for consideration of revoking his citizenship. The sentence reflects the severity of the acts, the harm to state security, and the need for a significant deterrent.”