Alleged Islamic State terror cell arrested in West Bank

Security forces have arrested a group of three men in the West Bank city of Hebron believed to be ideologically affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group.

The cell members were arrested in November 2014 by operatives of the Shin Bet security service and stand accused of launching an unsuccessful attack against IDF soldiers and conspiring to kidnap and kill civilians and military personnel in the West Bank, according to a press release issued Monday by the security apparatus.

News of the arrests of the three men, Muhammad Zerrue, 21, Ahmad Shehadeh, 22, and Qusai Meswadeh, 23, was previously under gag order.

Investigators claim that Shehadeh intended to establish a militarized wing of the Islamic State group.

Shehadeh additionally admitted that he, along with Maswadeh, created multiple explosive devices and deployed one against IDF soldiers, causing no casualties.

A youngster holding an Islamic State flag on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in August 2014. (photo credit: Facebook)

The two also conspired to acquire an Israeli military uniform and rifle by killing an IDF soldier, with the intention of using the gear in shooting attacks, but later backed out of the idea.

Other schemes including killing an armed Jewish settler in a natural spring near Hebron and stealing his weapon.

All members of the cell confirmed the plots under interrogation.

Muhammad Zerrue was indicted in a military court for membership and activity in an unlawful organization.

Shehadeh and Maswadeh will be tried in a military court in the West Bank in the coming days.