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Monday, July 22, 2024
West Bank cell planned to kidnap Israelis, Shin Bet says
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Shin Bet security agency says it recently foiled plans by a West Bank terror cell from the Aqabat Jabr camp to carry out a kidnapping attack.
According to the Shin Bet, members of the cell dug a hole in the ground where they intended to hold the Israeli hostages.
Troops recently arrested Muhammad Tarik, 19, and Amin Qatash, 20, residents of Aqabat Jabr, near Jericho, over their involvement in the plot. A third member of the cell was detained by the Palestinian Authority security forces, according to the Shin Bet.
The Shin Bet says Tarik and Qatash established the cell, purchased firearms and other weapons, and recruited others to carry out a kidnapping alongside shooting and explosive attacks against IDF troops and civilians in the West Bank.
“It emerged that the cell dug a hole in which they planned to hide the hostages. The hole’s opening was camouflaged and located near the house of one of the cell members,” the agency says.
The Shin Bet says a makeshift submachine gun, an explosive device and other military equipment were seized.
Last week, the suspects were charged with a series of serious security offenses, including charges related to their attempted kidnapping plans.
The Times of Israel Community.