Israeli Security Forces Foil Assassination Plot Against Defense Minister Israel Katz in West Bank

Israeli security agencies thwarted an assassination attempt targeting Defense Minister Israel Katz during a ceremony inaugurating the settlement of Ganin in northern Samaria. The plot, uncovered by intelligence received by the Shin Bet on Thursday evening, involved a trained terrorist cell from Jenin planning to attack the event attended by senior Israeli officials including Minister Katz, Minister Shlomo Karhi, Knesset member Yuli Edelstein, and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan.

Following the intelligence tip-off, the elite counterterrorism unit YAMAM was rapidly deployed to Jenin. In a coordinated operation, YAMAM forces simultaneously raided three different houses where the suspects were hiding. The three terrorists surrendered without arming themselves and were taken into custody for interrogation by the Shin Bet. Authorities are also investigating whether the cell intended to carry out a massacre in the newly established settlement.

The operation was overseen by senior commanders including Border Police Chief Brigadier General Yitzhak Barik, Judea and Samaria Border Police Commander Deputy Brigadier General Nisso Gueta, and YAMAM Commander Deputy Brigadier General A. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the precise intelligence guidance and swift action that prevented an imminent terror attack in the West Bank.

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the West Bank and the vigilance of Israeli security forces in preventing terrorist attacks against high-profile targets and civilian communities.