Israeli security forces thwart terrorist plot involving 100-kilogram bomb in West Bank

Israeli special services have prevented a planned terrorist attack involving a 100-kilogram bomb in the West Bank, according to information from the Israel General Security Service (Shabak).

Last month, Shabak and other security forces dismantled a terrorist cell near the Kabatiya settlement, close to Jenin, arresting its members who had been plotting significant attacks, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Israeli media.

The militants were provided with a powerful 100-kilogram explosive device, which they intended to use against Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, the report noted.

On February 21, explosions occurred on empty buses in the suburbs of Tel Aviv, signalling the planning of a highly dangerous terrorist operation. Israeli police spokesman Maj. Michael Singerman stated that the incident reflected the escalation of terrorist activity in the region.

The Palestinian Hamas movement issued a statement following the bus explosions, calling them “revenge” for an Israeli military operation in the town of Tulkarm. Hamas tied the attacks to the ongoing Israeli actions in the West Bank, which they have frequently criticized.

Earlier, Israel's military had expanded its counterterrorism operations in the northern part of the West Bank, which began in late January.

The operation, dubbed "Iron Wall," was initially launched on January 21 near Jenin. By January 27, the IDF extended the operation to Tulkarm, and on February 2, it expanded further to include five additional Palestinian towns in the area.

By Tamilla Hasanova