Israeli security forces thwart major terrorist attack in Jerusalem
9 Sep 2011
Terrorist planned to detonate bomb on bus or at a shopping mall; members of 13 terrorist cells arrested.
On Wednesday (September 7), it was released for publication that the IDF, Israel Security Agency and Israel Police
prevented a major terrorist attack in Jerusalem last month. The attack was thwarted after a terrorist had already
entered Jerusalem planning to activate an explosive device on a bus or at a shopping mall in the Pisgat Ze'ev
neighborhood.
The attack was prevented through joint operations by the IDF, ISA and police. During those operations, members of 13
terrorist cells (around 100 terrorists) were arrested. The detained terrorists included some senior operatives.
The ISA has noted that Hamas has been trying to rehabilitate its military infrastructure in Judea and Samaria in order
to carry out attacks against Israeli targets. According to the ISA, Hamas leadership abroad (in Syria, Saudi Arabia and
Turkey) has provided funding, guidance and training for the establishment of terrorist infrastructure. Hamas in the Gaza
Strip has been involved as well, attempting to move weaponry into Judea and Samaria and providing funding for terrorist
activities.
Questioning of detained terrorists has revealed that they were instructed to carry out a kidnapping in order to bargain
for the release of prisoners
ENDS