Israeli forces raid 50 buildings in Bethlehem, arrest 19 suspects

Israeli security forces carried out a large overnight counterterrorism operation in Bethlehem, in the Etzion Brigade area, on Tuesday night, arresting 19 wanted suspects, including arms dealers. The raid included searches of about 50 buildings and led to the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

During the searches in Bethlehem, troops found an M16 rifle, weapon parts, and ammunition. The operation was part of broader activity in other West Bank sectors as well.

In Tulkarm, two wanted suspects were arrested and two pistols were confiscated. In the Judea Brigade area, forces seized improvised "Carlo"-type weapons.

Security forces said enforcement against the production and trafficking of weapons in Judea and Samaria has increased since the start of the calendar year. They said more than 250 weapons have been seized so far this year, along with 40 lathes used to manufacture guns and explosives.