Security forces arrest 10 Islamic Jihad terrorists planning shooting attacks against Israelis, abduction of IDF soldier.
By YAAKOV KATZMasked Hamas terrorist 311 R(photo credit: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / Reuters)
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and IDF have arrested 10 high-ranking Islamic Jihad terrorists in the West Bank who were planning a series of attacks against Israel, including the abduction of an IDF soldier.The Shin Bet, which released details of the investigation on Thursday, said the Jenin-based cell was in direct contact with Islamic Jihad headquarters in Damascus, from which it received large sums of money to fund terrorist activity, as well as instruction regarding the type of attacks it should plan and perpetrate.RELATED:'Hezbollah has long-range surface-to-air missiles'IDF hits terrorists placing bombs near Gaza fenceDuring the arrest raids that were carried out in recent weeks, IDF soldiers discovered a kilogram of potassium, which can be used to create explosives, as well as an AK-47 assault rifle, 150 bullets and NIS 2,000 in cash that the Shin Bet said was intended for financing terrorist attacks.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to establishing a cell in northern Samaria to carry out shooting attacks against settlers and IDF patrols, and to kidnap an Israeli civilian or soldier to use as a bargaining chip for securing the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.In December, the IDF indicted members of the cell at the Salem Military Court on charges of membership in an illegal organization; the transfer of enemy money into the West Bank; contact with foreign agents; illegal possession of weapons; and conspiracy to trade in military hardware.
