Israel Arrests 10 Hamas Operatives Planning Attacks in Samaria

Israeli security forces, including the Yamam counter-terrorism unit, Shin Bet intelligence agency, and the IDF's Menashe Brigade, conducted a major counter-terrorism operation Saturday night in the village of Aqaba in northern Samaria. Ten Hamas members were arrested during the raid, according to Israeli security forces. The suspects are accused of establishing a local terrorist infrastructure and preparing attacks.

The operation was based on Shin Bet intelligence and involved the Yamam and IDF forces. During searches, the forces discovered a rocket without a launching device. Security services are concerned about attempts by terrorist groups to develop firing capabilities from Judea and Samaria, a threat they have been monitoring for months.

One of the arrested suspects led forces to a weapons cache containing an M16 rifle and a significant quantity of explosives intended for making explosive devices. Border Police sappers in Judea and Samaria neutralized the weapons, rocket, and explosives on-site.

This operation is part of a series of recent actions by the IDF, Shin Bet, and special units to dismantle armed cells and prevent attacks in northern Samaria.