IDF Spokesperson Announcement - IDF & ISA Joint Mission to Thwart Hamas

Network in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria

A senior Hamas operative based in Turkey stood at the head of the network and oversaw its operations. The network intended to execute a series of deadly attacks against Israel, undermining security and stability in the region and ultimately planning to overthrow the Palestinian Authority and seize control over the Judea and Samaria region.

The network force building depended on existing Hamas infrastructure and utilized forward capabilities in Jordan and used couriers who transferred more than 2 million dollars of terror funds to the militants operating in the field. The funds were used for weapon purchases, for financing headquarters and financing hideouts for the network.

Over the course of the mission, 93 Hamas operatives were detained; 46 of whom were taken for further investigation. Over 600,000 NIS were seized as well as extensive amounts of weaponry which included: 24 assault rifles, 6 handguns, 7 rocket launchers as well as a cache of cartridges and ammunition.

Brigadier General Tamir Yadi, Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division: "Over the last few months, in an IDF & ISA joint activity, uncovered a vast Hamas terror infrastructure. Upon receiving the intelligence from the ISA, the brigade's forces prepared to embark on a number of arrests and counter terrorist operations in Beitunia, Deir Qaddis, Bethlehem and Dir Abu Mash'al.

During the arrests a large amount of weaponry was uncovered, intended to be used for terror attacks against Israeli civilians, IDF soldiers and the Palestinian National Security Force.

IDF forces made a significant step against terrorism, demolishing the houses of those responsible for the kidnapping and murder of the three boys, which led to operation "Brothers' Keeper". The mission sends a severe message to those that wish to take part in terrorism, that such acts will not go unpunished and bare a direct retaliation. We will continue to use all our resources and abilities in order to deter such acts of terrorism. The IDF, in cooperation with the ISA and other security forces, will continue to operate against terror infrastructures in the Judea and Samaria Division."