Despite Hamas’ continued attempts to harm Israel’s citizens, Israeli security forces successfully thwart another deadly plot. 

Some of the Hamas terrorists arrested. (Photo: Shabak)

Israeli security forces were successful in exposing a massive Hamas terrorist plot and taking down the terror ring, a security official announced on Thursday.

The Shabak (Israel’s Security Agency) and the IDF exposed the terror network in September and managed to round up its members, many of whom are foreign-trained, before they could execute their sinister plot.

Some 30 terrorists were arrested, including two Jordanians and one Kuwaiti national. A large cache of weapons was seized during the operation, as well as explosive devices, M-16 assault rifles, and ammunition, which were confiscated by Israel’s security forces.

The terror network intended to target Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium and its light rail system. Both attacks, if executed, would have caused massive casualties. The ring has also planned further infiltration attacks, kidnappings and car bombs.

The Shabak reveals that the terror network had already begun to operate, and was responsible for a series of explosions in August, during one of which an explosive device was set off after which other bombs were detonated using a delayed timer in an attempt to hit emergency personnel called to the scene after the first bombing. No one was injured in this incident.

High Motivation for Hamas Terror

Israeli fans at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The terror cell’s activities were directed from its headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey. The investigation reveals that the network was highly skilled, as some of the terrorists were trained in Jordan, others in Gaza.

The cell was further tasked with establishing ties with other terror groups, setting up infrastructure and collecting intelligence on further potential terror targets.

The Shabak spokesman stressed that this exposure indicates that Hamas and especially its Istanbul-based commander Saleh al-Arouri are highly motivated to solidify their terror structure in Judea and Samaria and execute terror attacks against Israeli civilian and military targets.

Earlier this week the Shabak exposed a Hamas plot to assassinate Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman and commit terror attacks against Israeli targets in Judea and Samaria.

Many Lives Saved by the IDF

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Israel’s security forces for their successful operation:

“I would like to commend the Shabak and the IDF for foiling very dangerous terrorist actions that could have claimed many victims in our country. This action was publicized but there are very many actions that remain secret, counter-terrorist actions against Hamas, which challenges the existence of the Jewish nation-state and, in effect, challenges the existence of Jews in general. We are operating day and night in order to maintain the security of Israel’s citizens; the people who do this are deserving of all praise and support.”

The IDF’s brave soldiers are directly responsible for defending Israel’s citizens against any terror threat, in the north or south, by land, sea or air.

To read more about these magnificent defenders of the State of Israel, download our free eBook: Israel Defense Forces 24/7.

Author: United with Israel Staff

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