Shin Bet Nabs Terrorist Who Recruited Palestinians in Egypt

A suspected terror operative accused of enlisting Palestinians from Yehudah and Shomron in Egypt has been arrested by Israeli security forces, it was announced on Sunday.

The apprehension of Muhammad Nazal, from Kabatiya in Yehudah and Shomron, made in late January, was cleared for publication on Sunday by the Shin Bet.

Nazal allegedly belonged to a Hamas-linked group, the Khatib Al-Mujahadin, which splintered off from Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. The group has in recent years plotted attacks against Israeli targets, including rocket fire, and attempts to set up attacks within Israel, the Shin Bet said.

This group was described as “in touch with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and receives funding and instructions from it.”

In 2007, Nazal moved to Cairo to study. Extra-curricular activities included locating and recruiting candidates for military training in Gaza, after which they would enter Yehudah and Shomron for terrorism, it emerged during his interrogation.

The aim of the recruitment drive was to set up a “Hamas military infrastructure in Yehudah and Shomron,” security forces said. He also admitted to transferring funds for such purposes.