4 suspects who impersonated IDF troops in West Bank heist nabbed by Israel Police, PA

Authorities say 2 Israeli Bedouins and 2 Palestinians drove into Dahariya with vehicle flashing emergency lights, robbed a jewelry store and fled

By Stav Levaton

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13 January 2026, 5:16 pm

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Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

A man is arrested for allegedly impersonating an IDF soldier while robbing a jewelry store in the West Bank town of Dahariya, January 13, 2026. (Police Spokesperson's Unit)

Police said on Tuesday they arrested three suspects in connection with the armed robbery of a jewelry store in the southern West Bank town of Dahariya, after they allegedly posed as IDF soldiers during the heist, with another suspect reportedly detained by the Palestinian Authority.

According to police, the men arrived in Dahariya in a vehicle resembling that of security forces, complete with emergency lights. They wore IDF uniforms, body armor, and helmets, and carried firearms.

The IDF identified the three suspects as a Palestinian and two Israeli citizens, with police saying the Israelis are members of the Bedouin community in southern Israel.

PA security sources cited by Palestinian news agency Ma’an said an additional suspect was arrested by the PA’s officers, who reportedly seized the stolen jewelry that the suspect had in his possession.

דוברות המשטרה:

*בדואים תושבי הדרום, התחזו לכוחות ביטחון ושדדו חנות תכשיטים בדהרייה. בפעילות מהירה ומדויקת של שוטרי מחוז ש"י ולוחמי מג"ב איו"ש, נתפסו ונעצרו 3 חשודים ונתפסו כלי הנשק* pic.twitter.com/Aho4JEmWO9

— מה חדש. What's new❓ (@Gloz111) January 13, 2026

The suspects are accused of forcing their way into a Palestinian-owned jewelry store and stealing its merchandise before fleeing the scene.

Following a joint manhunt by police, Border Police, and IDF troops, the suspects were located near the town of Samu in the South Hebron Hills and arrested. Police said three M16 rifles and a handgun were seized from their possession.

The IDF said that the manhunt has concluded.

Police have been conducting a crackdown against crime in the Bedouin community in southern Israel, dubbed Operation New Order, which has been going on since mid-November.

Bedouin citizens have accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who is in charge of the police, of spearheading a campaign of incitement and delegitimization against Bedouin citizens of Israel amid the operation.