One of the cells had reached advanced readiness to launch an attack in the immediate term.
By United with Israel Staff
An imminent terror attack was thwarted on Thursday when an IDF Unit 636 team, operating in an ambush near the community of Karmei Tzur in the Etzion region, intercepted and killed two terrorists who were on their way to carry out an attack. The IDF reported no Israeli casualties in the incident.
The successful interception came as security forces revealed that, in recent weeks, a major Hamas terror network in the Bethlehem area had been uncovered and dismantled. The IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police said the network had been actively preparing explosive attacks and shootings targeting both civilians and security personnel.
Weapons seized by IDF raids. (IDF)
Reserve troops from the Etzion Brigade, working alongside the Duvdevan and Lotar units, arrested about 50 Hamas terrorists during the sweep. All detainees were transferred to the Shin Bet for interrogation.
More than 15 operations were carried out deep inside the area, including several high-risk daytime raids. In one of the missions, an M16 rifle was seized.
Security officials noted that one of the cells had reached advanced readiness to launch an attack in the immediate term. According to the IDF, dismantling the network prevented potentially large-scale terror incidents that could have resulted in significant casualties.
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