Israeli Forces Arrest Armed Terrorist Cell Planning Attack in Nablus

In a successful operation on Saturday night, an armed terrorist cell was apprehended in Nablus as they were en route to carry out an attack, according to Israeli police. The joint operation involved the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Israel Police, the Counterterrorism Unit (Yamam), and the IDF, who arrested two suspects linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

The arrested individuals, identified as Ahmed Zakharna, 21, and Tariq Abu Zeid, 25, both hail from Kabatiya, a town near Jenin in the northern West Bank. The two were found in possession of two loaded M16 rifles, ammunition, body vests, and face masks, all while in their vehicle. Initial interrogations revealed that they had left Jenin and were headed to carry out a shooting attack. Their interrogation is ongoing.

This arrest is part of a broader wave of counterterrorism operations across the West Bank, following a deadly attack on January 6 that left three Israelis dead and seven others injured. The three terrorists involved in that attack were also affiliated with PIJ. In response, the IDF launched a series of raids, arresting over 25 individuals in the past week, including those from the village of Burka and Kabatiya.

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF and Border Police units in the West Bank following the operations, warning, “Anyone who deals in Gaza-style terror will be dealt with like in Gaza.”

Targeted Raids and Terrorism Prevention

In the past few days, Israeli security forces have intensified operations against terror groups in the West Bank, particularly those linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Lions’ Den. On Saturday, a joint operation involving the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police lasted over 12 hours, resulting in the arrest of eight wanted individuals from Kabatiya.

The increasing number of raids comes in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in the West Bank, with Israeli forces targeting terror cells and individuals involved in the violence. Raids have included both arrests and targeted strikes, such as the elimination of two terrorists in the Jordan Valley area by the Israeli Air Force.