IDF neutralises Hamas cell planning attacks in Bethlehem

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israeli police, have dismantled a Hamas cell operating in the Bethlehem area, preventing planned attacks targeting both security forces and Israeli civilians.

More than 50 suspects were apprehended and transferred to the ISA for further questioning, Caliber.Az reports, citing a joint statement released on the IDF’s Telegram channel.

“The forces conducted more than 15 different operations, some of which were undercover and conducted in broad daylight. In one of the operations, IDF soldiers identified and confiscated multiple weapons, including an M16 weapon.

One of the terrorist cells was in an advanced stage of operational readiness, prepared to carry out attacks within the immediate timeframe.

The thwarting of this infrastructure prevented significant terror attacks, which could have taken a heavy toll on the lives of many Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The IDF, ISA, and Israel Police will continue to operate to thwart any attempt by Hamas to plan or execute terrorist activity against the State of Israel and its civilians, and will work to bring to justice those involved in such activity,” the IDF said in the statement. 

By Vugar Khalilov