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Shfaram, Israel – 62-year-old journalist Saeed Hasanin, a former football commentator and spokesman for Bnei Sakhnin, was arrested by Israeli police after giving an interview to Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV. In the interview, he praised the group, insulted the IDF and blamed Israeli Arabs serving in the army, Haaretz reported.
What is known about the arrest?
Police arrested Hasanin at his home in Shfaram and searched it. The journalist’s family suggests that the reason was his public support for Hamas.
He stated that:
- “The Islamic resistance acted humanely, in accordance with Islamic law”
- “Hamas protected hostages in accordance with religious principles”
- “The Israelis are the occupiers, and the IDF is the occupying army”
Hasanin also justified the incident in which Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov kissed a Hamas militant during his handover to the Red Cross, claiming that he did so “out of gratitude for humanity”.
Political resonance
After the scandalous interview , Khasanin was suspended from his position as a commentator for the Bnei Sakhnin club and then arrested for incitement.
At 06:06 am, the Israeli police issued an official press release:
“A journalist who worked as a commentator for a Premier League football club has been arrested on suspicion of incitement. The police received numerous complaints about his statements, launched an investigation and searched his home. A request to extend the arrest will be submitted to the court.”
Knesset member Itamar Ben-Gvir, former Minister of National Security, supported the police’s actions:
“I am happy to see that the police continue the law enforcement practices I have been trying to introduce.”
What’s next?
The Israeli police continue to investigate, and the journalist may face serious legal consequences for supporting the terrorist group. Hasanin’s arrest could become a precedent for combating Hamas propaganda in the Israeli information space.
