Extremist Islamist groups such as ISIS and Hamas—their ideological roots partially stemming from the Muslim Brotherhood—are unrestrained and have no red lines. They are often willing to kill and torture in the name of Allah. Whether in times of war or during its absence, they strive to incite, sow division and accuse their fellow religionists of apostasy in order to further their own legitimacy campaigns. This is in essence political Islam. In fact, this is the modus operandi of the northern branch of the Islamic movement in Israel headed by Raed Salah.

Incitement from the northern branch

Sheikh Kamel Khatib, the northern branch’s deputy chairman, warns Israel’s Muslim population in light of the government’s decision to close Al Aqsa Mosque out of fear of further spreading of the Coronavirus:

“Don’t be fooled by Israel’s seemingly innocent policies urging you to stay at home. Its intention isn’t to defeat the virus but, instead, to take control of Al Aqsa.” Khatib then turns his attention to Israel with a warning: “We are warning Israel...