Israeli security forces have dismantled a Hamas-directed terror cell operating out of Nablus, which had received operational guidance and financial backing from the group’s headquarters in Turkey. The cell was planning shooting and bombing attacks targeting Israeli forces and civilians in Judea and Samaria.
Cell Received Tens of Thousands of Dollars for Planned Attacks
In a coordinated operation carried out over recent months by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Israel Police, and the IDF, six Palestinian suspects from Nablus were arrested for their involvement in plotting and preparing attacks. According to the investigation, the operatives were receiving direct instructions from Hamas operatives based in Turkey, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in funding intended to facilitate these attacks.
Three of the suspects were apprehended on January 29. During the arrests, security forces seized an M-16 assault rifle and approximately $40,000 in cash. Another suspect detained the same day voluntarily handed over an additional $20,000. In the days that followed, three more suspects were taken into custody. All were transferred to Shin Bet and Israel Police custody for interrogation.
Wired Explosive Device Found Near Jit Junction
Based on information obtained during questioning, security forces located a buried wired explosive device near the Jit Junction in Samaria. The device consisted of a large metal container filled with explosives. It was safely extracted with the aid of heavy machinery and neutralized in a controlled explosion by police bomb disposal experts.
The investigation revealed key insights into the structure of the terror cell, its foreign connections, and the channels used to transfer funds. Authorities gathered substantial evidence that not only thwarted the planned attacks but also provided a solid foundation for filing criminal charges against all six suspects.
