Security agency says men from Nablus area and Hebron were directed and funded by Gaza-based terror group and planned to target Israelis and destabilize West Bank
Israeli security forces broke up an alleged Hamas terrorist cell planning to carry out attacks in the West Bank, arresting seven of its members earlier this month, the Shin Bet security service revealed Monday.
The cell received its directions from Yahya Amer Muhammad Abu Saifan, 26, a Hamas terrorist living in the Gaza Strip involved in recruiting Palestinians in the West Bank, the Shin Bet said.
The Shin Bet said the seven members, from the Nablus area and Hebron, had practiced shooting and had conducted tests with explosive devices. Several firearms and materials used for making explosives were seized following their arrests.