IDF and Shin Bet Arrest Terrorist Planning Immediate Shooting Attack in Hebron

During the Jewish holiday period, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency apprehended a terrorist in Hebron who was allegedly planning an immediate shooting attack against Israeli civilians. The arrest was made on Saturday, based on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet, as part of operational activities in the area under the command of the Judea and Samaria Division.

The IDF stated that the apprehended terrorist, identified as Abd al-Rahman, intended to carry out the attack imminently. This arrest occurred amidst heightened security readiness in Judea and Samaria, declared in anticipation of the holidays. The IDF had previously announced increased preparedness, including dozens of drills, inspections, and readiness reviews across the Judea and Samaria Division, alongside intensified counter-terrorism operations.

These preparations involved a division-wide drill along the seam line and brigade-level drills across all regional brigades. Prior to the holiday, operational activities led to the arrest of over 220 wanted individuals and brigade-level operations throughout the sector. A large-scale surprise drill involving all battalions in the Judea and Samaria Division took place the Friday before the holiday, aimed at enhancing troop readiness and operational capacity.

Major General Avi Blout, commander of the Central Command, conducted surprise inspections of several battalions as part of these readiness efforts, assessing their operational fitness. A situation assessment focused on the command's war readiness and operational plans for various scenarios. Following the foiled attack in Hebron, the IDF affirmed its continued commitment to counter-terrorism operations throughout the Judea and Samaria Division.