IDF troops arrest 5, seize weaponry in West Bank raids

Israeli security forces arrested several suspected terrorists in the northern West Bank overnight Thursday and found thousands of shekels in cash as well as grenades and a shotgun during a search of the suspects’ homes.

Two suspects from the northern West Bank city of Nablus were arrested after security forces uncovered a homemade grenade and ammunition during the early morning raid, the army said in a statement Thursday morning.

The overnight sweep was carried out by IDF soldiers, Civil Administration officials and Israel Police.

In the West Bank village of Jaba, IDF soldiers seized a shotgun, ammunition and military equipment, and made one arrest.

Another three Palestinians wanted by Israel on terrorism-related offenses from the West Bank villages of Bani Naim and Kifl Haris were arrested in the raids.

The suspects and the seized cash were handed over to security forces for further investigation.

Last week, Palestinian residents of the Deheishe refugee camp outside Bethlehem clashed with Israeli troops after arresting Nidal Abu Aker, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization.

Seven Palestinians were injured in the raid, according to Palestinian media. The IDF did not confirm there were injuries among the Palestinians. No soldiers were wounded in the clash, the army said.