Bedouin Man Sentenced to 24.5 Years for Aiding Terror Group and Infiltrating IDF
A Beersheba court sentenced an Israeli Bedouin man to 24.5 years in prison for aiding a Gaza terror group, stealing an IDF weapon, and infiltrating the military.
The Beersheba District Court sentenced Shehada Abu al-Kiyan to 24.5 years in prison after he was convicted under a plea bargain of aiding the enemy during wartime, terror offenses, and weapons charges. Acting on behalf of a Gaza-based terrorist organization, he gathered intelligence, stole a weapon from an IDF soldier, and enlisted in the military.
Espionage and Weapons Trafficking
According to the amended indictment filed by Adv. Hofit Kantrovitz from the Southern District Prosecution, Abu al-Kiyan decided to retaliate against Israel in 2019 following a demolition order issued for his father's house. In September 2019, he stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser pointer from an IDF soldier in the Yatir region and buried them near his home.
From 2021, Abu al-Kiyan communicated via Telegram with terror operatives in Gaza, expressing support for the struggle against Israel and requesting to join Hamas. He subsequently operated on behalf of the Mujahedeen Brigades, supplying photographs and intelligence regarding IDF bases, train stations, government companies, and shopping centers, alongside reports on troop and helicopter movements.
In March 2022, an operative known as "Abu Suleiman" asked to acquire weaponry. Abu al-Kiyan offered to sell him the stolen M4 rifle and insisted on smuggling the weapons into the West Bank. In May 2022, he recruited his cousin to transport the M4 rifle, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five hand grenades into the West Bank, where they were hidden for the terrorist organization.
Enlistment in the IDF and Arrest
Simultaneously, under his handler's instructions, Abu al-Kiyan enlisted in the IDF on May 22, 2022, aiming to gather internal intelligence regarding Bedouin soldiers, bases, and military locations. Security forces arrested him eight days after his enlistment, thwarting his activities.
"This is an exceptionally severe case in which an Israeli citizen chose to act against his country, maintain ties with a terrorist organization, and even enlist in the IDF on its behalf," stated Adv. Hofit Kantrovitz.
In December 2025, Abu al-Kiyan was convicted of aiding the enemy in wartime, active membership in a terrorist organization, aggravated theft, weapons offenses, and terrorist weapons activities. The prosecution emphasized the severity of his ties with the Mujahedeen Brigades, an organization linked to atrocities during the Swords of Iron war.
Judges Daniel Ben-Tolila, Tal Lahiani Shoham, and Yoav Atar sentenced him to 24.5 years of actual imprisonment, suspended sentences, and a 25,000 shekel fine. Concurrently, his details were forwarded to the Minister of Interior to review the revocation of his citizenship.
