An Israeli court is set to deliver its sentencing verdict on Monday concerning Sheikh Kamal Khatib, the deputy head of the Islamic Movement, who has been convicted of incitement to violence and incitement to terrorism.
The convictions stem from two social media posts and a sermon given amid the unrest of May 2021. Khatib was acquitted of a separate charge of affiliation with a terrorist organization.
He was detained in May 2021 after the Israeli government, following recommendations from the Shin Bet security agency, concluded that his remarks and online posts amounted to colegas incitement to violence and terrorism.
The indictment was based on social media content and a speech that criticized Israeli actions at Al‑Aqsa Mosque, addressed clashes involving worshippers, police responses to Palestinian protests, and incidents surrounding the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.
After a legal process that extended beyond five years, the court found Khatib guilty on the two incitementーワード charges while ruling him not guilty of the terrorism affiliation charge.
The prosecution is requesting a prison term of between 40 and 50 months.
Defense counsel, representing Khatib and including lawyers from Adalah – The Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel – and the Al‑Mezan Centre, contended that the prosecution is applying sentencing norms adopted after the events of 7 October 2023 to conduct that took place in 2021. They argue such an application would violate principles of legality and criminal justice.
The court’s sentencing decision is expected to be announced on Monday.