Security Forces Break Up Major Hamas Kidnapping Operation

In a joint operation, the Shabak and IDF arrested a gang of Hamas terrorists who had planned to kidnap IDF soldiers and civilians. The gang planned to conduct a major shooting attack and then capture soldiers or civilians and hold them hostage in exchange for Hamas terrorists in Israeli prisons. Israel Radio reported that the gang was “large” and had developed advanced plans to carry out their attack.

The arrests took place several months ago, but the press was authorized to publish the information only on Thursday. The gang, based in the Chevron area, also planned several shooting and bombing attacks. The gang had conducted surveillance operations, observing the operations of soldiers in the Chevron area in order to determine the best opportunities to conduct the attacks, security officials said, adding that large numbers of weapons were also seized in the operation.

On Wednesday, officials announced that they had arrested a gang of Arab terrorists who conducted a number of shooting attacks on Israelis in the Binyamin region. The gang carried out four shooting attacks in the area of the Israeli town of Ofra in October and November of this year. They were apprehended several days ago.

B’derech nes, no one was killed or injured in the attacks, but there was damage to vehicles, officials said. Along with the terrorists, officials arrested family members who had assisted in planning and carrying out the attacks. In addition, officials seized guns, bombs, ammunition, and other items that were used to carry out the attacks