Hamas Network in Jerusalem and West Bank

Hamas Network in Jerusalem and West Bank

(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Over the past three months, the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have been working to uncover an extensive Hamas terror infrastructure operating in Jerusalem and the Judea and Samaria region (the West Bank).

A senior Hamas operative based in Turkey stood at the head of the network and oversaw its operations. The network intended to execute a series of deadly attacks against Israel, undermining security and stability in the region and ultimately planning to overthrow the Palestinian Authority and seize control over the West Bank.

The network force building depended on existing Hamas infrastructure and utilized forward capabilities in Jordan and used couriers who transferred more than 2 million US dollars of terror funds to the militants operating in the field. The funds were used for weapon purchases, for financing headquarters and financing hideouts for the network.

Over the course of the mission, 93 Hamas operatives were detained; 46 of whom were taken for further investigation. Over 600,000 NIS (nearly USD 174,000) were seized as well as extensive amounts of weaponry which included: 24 assault rifles, 6 handguns, 7 rocket launchers as well as a cache of cartridges and ammunition.

Excerpts from a statement by Brigadier General Tamir Yadi, Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division:

"Over the last few months, a joint activity by the IDF & ISA uncovered a vast Hamas terror infrastructure. Upon receiving the intelligence from the ISA, the brigade's forces prepared to embark on a number of arrests and counter-terrorist operations in Beitunia, Deir Qaddis, Bethlehem and Dir Abu Mash'al.

During the arrests a large amount of weaponry was uncovered, intended to be used for terror attacks against Israeli civilians, IDF soldiers and the Palestinian National Security Force."

Ends.

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