Hamas terror network uncovered near Bethlehem, foiling “imminent” attacks planned against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
By World Israel News Staff
Israeli security forces broke up a major Hamas terror network south of Jerusalem recently, foiling a number of “imminent” attacks.
On Wednesday afternoon, the IDF, Israel Police, and Shin Bet security agency issued a joint statement announcing that a series of terrorist attacks, including bombings and shootings, were prevented, including plots that were slated to be carried out in the near future.
According to the statement, the attacks were intended to target both Israeli civilians and security personnel.
Roughly 40 terrorists linked to the Hamas cell, located in the Bethlehem district, were arrested in a series of more than 15 raids that were conducted by the Judea and Samaria District Police, reservist soldiers from the IDF’s Etzion Brigade, the Duvdevan special forces unit, and the LOTAR counter-terror force.
During the raids, Israeli security forces seized a number of weapons which were to have been used in the planned attacks. An M-16 assault rifle was among the firearms found.
The raids were directed by intelligence gathered during a Shin Bet investigation of the terror network, which had recruited dozens of terrorists and established multiple cells, as well as acquired weapons and already conducted extensive planning for bombing and shooting attacks.
According to the Shin Bet, one terror cell affiliated with the network had already completed its preparations for a series of attacks and was in a high state of readiness.
Had the attacks been carried out, the Shin Bet said, they “could have claimed the lives of many civilians and soldiers.”
“The Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Israel Police will continue to act to thwart any attempt by the Hamas terror organization to promote terrorist activity against the State of Israel and its citizens, and will work to bring all those involved to justice.”
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