Major terrorist plot exposed: IDF finds 100kg bomb in Samaria

The breakthrough came after a monthlong coordinated operation between the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the IDF, and the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit. Their efforts led to the arrest of several terrorist cells operating in Qabatiya, a town near Jenin, known for its involvement in terrorist activities. These cells were plotting significant attacks on Israeli forces in the region.

On January 11, during a joint operation, Shin Bet agents, Yamam operatives, and IDF soldiers from the Samaria Brigade apprehended two suspects, Ahmed Ali Zakharna and Tarek Abu Zeid, in Nablus. The two men were caught while en route to carry out a shooting attack in the town of Huwara. They were found with two M16 assault rifles in their possession.

During their subsequent interrogation, Zakharna and Abu Zeid revealed a chilling detail: they had received a 100-kilogram explosive device from terrorist operatives linked to the Jenin Battalion. This bomb, intended for a major attack against IDF forces, was seized in a raid on Qabatiya on the evening of January 11. The investigation led to the arrest of several other members of the terror cell, and additional weapons, including the powerful improvised explosive device, were confiscated.

This operation was part of an ongoing counterterrorism effort by Israeli security forces to neutralize terror threats throughout Judea and Samaria. Over the course of the operation, security forces conducted extensive searches of terrorist infrastructure sites, detained 15 suspected terrorists, and seized numerous weapons and explosives.

The Shin Bet and IDF have pledged to continue their relentless efforts to protect the citizens of Israel and maintain security in the region. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the area and the constant vigilance required to prevent catastrophic attacks.