Salafi-Jihadi Online Communication in Israel: Forging a Community Through an “Enclave” Mindset

Abstract

The article explores the ways in which online posting by contemporary Salafi-jihadis in Israel create an enclave mentality that serves to transform Salafi-jihadis into an insular community. Because Salafi-jihadis can no longer by law advocate active jihad on social media in Israel, their posts focus on three Islamic legal themes: The dichotomy between God’s devotees and God’s enemies; the untrustworthiness of Muslim rulers, official Muslim scholars, and “impious” Muslim associations like the Muslim Brothers; and the obligation to apply the doctrine of takfīr against Muslims and deviant Muslim rulers. Although seemingly innocuous, social media posts encourage Salafi-jihadis to take actions that result in their segregation from other Muslims in Israel, particularly Salafi-Taqlidis, and, at the same time, create and maintain a networked community of like-minded individuals willing to implement the Salafi-jihadi creed when the time is ripe.