Israeli Forces Thwart Palestinian Terror Cell With Highway Arrest

Latest Developments​

Israeli forces thwarted an imminent terrorist attack on September 9 after police and special forces from the Shin Bet intelligence agency arrested a carload of Palestinians traveling on a key highway. Acting on an intelligence tip-off, the Israeli officers intercepted the van on Highway 6, bringing traffic to a halt as they removed 13 undocumented Palestinians for searches and arrest.

The main suspect among the group is a Palestinian who illegally entered Israel from the West Bank intending to carry out an attack, The Jerusalem Post reported. Following his confession, Israeli security forces arrested two more members of the terrorist squad at their homes in Bani Na’im, a Palestinian town about five miles east of the West Bank city of Hebron. A joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet said that the terrorists had planned their attack “in the immediate time frame,” adding that weapons to execute it, including an assault rifle, had been found in their possession. “The three were transferred to the Shin Bet for further investigation,” the statement said.

Expert Analysis​

“Israel is pursuing a root-and-branch approach to West Bank terrorism. It begins with the slow and methodical targeting of incitement and — when prevention fails — ends with lightning-fast counter measures against those about to pull the trigger. Clearly, the Israelis will do anything to prevent the West Bank even approaching the threat level of Hamas-ruled Gaza. Critics of Israel should regard Gaza as a lesson in what happens when terrorism is allowed to establish roots.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“With Hamas decimated as a fighting force, the Iran-backed group is returning to its terrorist roots. Hamas hopes that terrorist attacks will provoke Israeli countermeasures, further igniting the West Bank and drawing international criticism of Israel that ignores Jerusalem’s security concerns.” — David May, FDD Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

West Bank Imam Arrested for Incitement

Separately, Israeli police and the IDF disclosed on September 9 that a 49-year-old imam from the West Bank city of Qalqilya had been arrested last week on suspicion of incitement and supporting and encouraging acts of terrorism. The cleric is accused of using his pulpit to preach war against Israel and pray for the success of the terrorists of Gaza. Hamas and allied terrorist groups have loudly called for increased terrorist attacks on Israelis, with Hamas leader Khaled Mashal announcing at a conference in Turkey on August 28 that the Iran-backed organization was encouraging the resumption of suicide bombings.

Related Analysis

“Jordanian Terrorist Kills Three Israelis in Attack at West Bank Border Crossing,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Completes Anti-Terror Operation in West Bank City of Jenin,” FDD Flash Brief

“Turkey Hosts Conference With Hamas Leader Calling for Suicide Bombings,” FDD Flash Brief