Israeli Forces Seize Hundreds of Thousands in Cash and Assets from Released Terrorists in East Jerusalem

Israeli security forces conducted a joint raid in East Jerusalem targeting homes of terrorists and their families who were released in prisoner exchange deals but continued to receive payments from the Palestinian Authority. The operation involved the Economic Warfare Headquarters against Terror (Mat'al) of the Ministry of Defense, the Jerusalem District Central Unit, and Border Police. Authorities confiscated vehicles, gold, and cash totaling hundreds of thousands of shekels, including five vehicles, approximately 96,000 shekels in cash, and gold jewelry.

The raids were carried out under seizure orders issued by Defense Minister Israel Katz, aimed at funds paid by the Palestinian Authority as rewards to terrorists and their families. Among those targeted were Muhammad Abd al-Rahman Abbad, involved in a 2002 attempted suicide bombing in Jerusalem, and Ahed Faiz Ali al-Natsheh, a Hamas operative linked to a 2001 car bomb plot in Pisgat Ze'ev and an attack in the Klal Center in Jerusalem that injured police officers and civilians.

This operation is part of a broader economic campaign led by the Israeli security apparatus, including the Shin Bet and police, to disrupt terror financing and payment mechanisms. The Ministry of Defense emphasized its commitment to imposing heavy costs on anyone involved in terrorism or benefiting from terror funds. The confiscations followed recommendations by Mat'al and cooperation with the Shin Bet and police, focusing on Israeli residents and citizens released in hostage exchange deals who continue to receive financial rewards from the Palestinian Authority for their terror activities.