Several institutions affiliated with initiatives of the Islamic Movement in Israel were shut down on Thursday, after the Shin Bet recommended the courts extend a previous declaration made by the Security Cabinet, which found the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to be an unlawful instigator.

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The Shin Bet worked with the Israel Police on the matter, managing to eventually close the QPress, the Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Kudurat initiatives of the Movement, which reside in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm. The activities of those heading these branches have also been limited, after being warned not to continue to operate them. The branches' bank accounts, which hold hundreds of thousands of shekels, have been frozen.

The Shin Bet and police raid institution affiliated with the Islamic Movement

The Shin Bet commented on the shutdown, saying, "The Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Qpress stir up activities that cause tension at Temple Mount and routinely incites peace disturbances that jeopardize those visiting the site and damage Israel's sovereignty over the site."

Removing computer equipment from the headquarters of one of the initiatives

Qpress posted a call to its followers over the last few days, urging them to flock to the Temple Mount with the intention of confronting the security forces stationed there and disturbing the peace. Qpress was also behind a propaganda video that was published last March, in which it claimed that Israel is digging a tunnel under Jerusalem in an attempt to reach Temple Mount. Sheikh Raed Salah, seen in the video accusing Israel of digging illegal tunnels, called to "stop the Israeli aggression on the al-Aqsa mosque," and urged Israeli media to uncover the digging.

Outlawing the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel means that anyone belonging to the branch from here on out will be committing themselves to a federal crime, which could result in jail time and the confiscation of personal property.

Several institutions affiliated with the Islamic Movement in Israel were shut down on Thursday, after the Shin Bet recommended the courts extend a previous declaration made by the Security Cabinet, which found the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to be an unlawful instigator.

The Shin Bet worked with the Israel Police on the matter, managing to eventually close the QPress, the Supreme Council in Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Kudurat branches of the Movement, which reside in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm. The activities of those heading these branches have also been limited, after being warned of continuing to operate them. The branches' bank accounts, which hold hundreds of thousands of shekels, have been frozen.

The Shin Bet commented on the shutdown, saying, "The Supreme Council is Support of al-Quds and al-Aqsa and Qpress stir up activities that cause tension at Temple Mount and routinely incites peace disturbances that jeopardize those visiting the site and hurt Israel's sovereignty over the site."

Qpress posted a call to its followers over the last few days, urging them to flock to Temple Mount with the intention of confronting the security forces stationed there and disturbing the peace. Qpress was also behind a propaganda video that was published last March, in which it claimed that Israel is digging a tunnel under Jerusalem in an attempt to reach Temple Mount. Sheikh Raed Salah, seen in the video accusing Israel of digging illegal tunnels, called to "stop the Israeli aggression on the al-Aqsa mosque (the Muslim name for Temple Mount)," and urged Israeli media to uncover the digging.

Outlawing the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel means that anyone belonging to the branch from here on out will be committing a felony, which could result in jail time and the confiscation of personal property.