The Shin Bet security service reveals it uncovered an alleged Hamas terror cell in the Hebron area, which planned to carry out kidnapping, shooting and IED attacks in Israel.
The cell had begun collecting intelligence on a number of locations, including a synagogue in Zichron Ya’akov and the Binyamina central bus station.
According to the Shin Bet, the cell members gathered the information on the targets while they were employed in Israel without legal work permits.
The two central suspects in the case are brothers Hassan Sami Hassan Zidat, 23, and Muhammad Sami Hassan Zidat, 25, the Shin Bet says. Both of the men are residents of Bani Na’im, outside Hebron.
The alleged Hamas operatives purchased weapons, created improvised explosive devices and convinced other Palestinians to assist them in their plans, the Shin Bet says.
Hassan, who was convicted of murder by the Palestinian Authority, served as head of the cell, while his brother acquired the weapons, the Shin Bet says.
Today, state prosecutors in Haifa are filing an indictment against some members of the cell.
— Judah Ari Gross
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