Israeli Forces Foil Major Terror Attack in Samaria, Arrest Five

Elite Duvdevan unit soldiers, operating under the command of the Menashe Brigade and guided by the Shin Bet, apprehended five terrorists in the Qabatiya area early Friday morning. The suspects were allegedly planning a significant attack against Israeli civilians and security forces. The operation, which took place in the West Bank, resulted in the discovery of an M16 rifle and additional weaponry hidden in the suspects' homes.

The arrests occurred within ten minutes of Israeli forces entering the suspected locations. The apprehended individuals have been transferred to security forces for further interrogation. This operation is part of a broader counter-terrorism effort in the region.

In a related 48-hour operation in the Nablus (Shchem) area and surrounding villages, also coordinated by the Shin Bet and involving the Samaria Brigade, Israeli forces searched hundreds of locations, interrogated dozens of suspects, and arrested over 10 wanted individuals. During this operation, forces destroyed more than 30 lathes used for manufacturing weapons and confiscated hidden arms, including guns, pistols, and ammunition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the forces for their successful operations, stating, "I congratulate our forces on a successful operation in Samaria where they destroyed dozens of lathes for manufacturing weapons, seized dozens of weapons, and arrested wanted individuals involved in terrorism. Our activity to thwart terrorism continues with full force in Judea and Samaria, Gaza, Lebanon, and wherever our enemies try to threaten the State of Israel."