(July 8, 2024 / JNS) Two Israeli citizens from the northern Arab town of Ar’ara were indicted on Monday on charges of attempting to join the Islamic State terrorist organization in Syria, the State Attorney’s Office announced.

Abdel Mahdi Gabarin and Naim Gabarin were arrested last month at Ben-Gurion Airport as they tried to board a flight to Turkey, from where they had planned to cross into Syria, according to the charges.

Prosecutors said the suspects met following prayers at a mosque in the city of Umm al-Fahm, near Ar’ara, where Abdel Mahdi served as an imam.