JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli Arab reportedly was killed in battle in Syria’s civil war.
The man, identified by Haaretz as Mueid Zachi Agabaria, 28, of the Arab village of Mushirfa in northern Israel’s Wadi Ara region, reportedly entered Syria via Turkey in August in order to fight with rebel forces opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. He is believed to be the first Israeli death related to Syria’s civil war, according to the Times of Israel.
Two other Wadi Ara residents who went missing at the same time also are believed to be in Syria, as well as eight other young Israeli Arabs.
Two other Israeli Arabs have been arrested in Israel for attempting to join the rebels.
It is illegal for Israelis to make contact with Syria, which is an enemy state.
