Nine Palestinians Arrested on Suspicion of Establishing Terror Infrastructure

Nine Palestinians were arrested last month on suspicion of involvement in setting up a terror infrastructure on behalf of Hamas in the Palestinian town of Bidu in the West Bank. The arrests were the result of a joint operation of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Authority), the IDF, and the Israel Police.

According to the Shin Bet, the suspects were involved in planning an abduction attack on a soldier. To facilitate this, they prepared explosive materials and charges, marked escape routes, and conducted intelligence-gathering tours to learn about the soldiers' routine activities in the area. They also prepared a hiding place for the captive. The arrest of the cell members ahead of time prevented the abduction.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the cell members planned to carry out shooting and explosive attacks against IDF forces. In order to execute their intentions, they engaged in self-study of explosive material production and even established a clandestine laboratory for preparing explosive materials within a residential home.

In this location, the Shin Bet discovered raw materials for making explosives and charges, detonators, and pipes used for constructing charges, among other items. Additionally, "Carlo" firearms and maps depicting their attack plans and escape routes were seized.

The cell members operated in a highly organized manner, maintaining maximum secrecy to avoid exposure of their activities. The Shin Bet announced that its investigation is still ongoing.