Israeli security forces carry out weekend counter-terrorism raids

Israeli security forces are fighting Palestinian terrorism on all fronts, most recently catching a weapons smuggling ring.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News
Israel police

Police force in action. (Police spokesman)

Israeli security forces arrested an Arab suspected of running a large-scale weapons trading and smuggling operation, the police announced Sunday.

The man, identified by police as a 45-year-old resident of the Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem with Israeli citizenship, was under surveillance for several months before his arrest, the police said.

He was arrested on November 19 in a joint operation carried out by Israel’s elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit and Border Police.

Police found in his possession a bag containing three handguns, a Kalashnikov assault rifle, ammunition and parts for various firearms.

During his investigation, the suspect incriminated and tied himself to the allegations, the police said.

He was remanded until December 1.

Eight additional suspects were arrested in connection with the guns-running ring, and more arrests are expected, the police announced.

In related operations, Israeli security forces arrested Palestinian terrorists over the weekend, 11 of them suspected in taking part in attacks and riots.

The arrests included the capture of four Hamas members from Nablus, Beit Awa and Adna, in the Hebron area. Most of the terrorists who have perpetrated the recent terror attacks have come from the Hebron area.

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During a weapons raid in Hebron, soldiers seized an M-16 assault rifle, a handgun, and ammunition.

Early Sunday morning, The IDF raided a Palestinian radio station in Hebron and confiscated equipment that was being used to broadcast incitement and calls to attack Israelis.

The IDF stated it shut down the “Dareme” radio station overnight, marking the third time in recent months Israel has closed a Hebron station for inciting violence.

The military said the station “repeatedly broadcast content that promotes and encourages terror and acts of violence” against Israelis.