The Lead
Israel's Yamam national counter-terror unit foiled a terrorist cell in Jenin that planned an assassination attempt on Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to reports published Thursday evening. The cell reportedly intended to carry out the attack during a ceremony in northern Samaria attended by the minister and other senior officials.
The Yamam counter-terror unit, operating under the Israel Border Police, conducted a high-stakes overnight operation in Jenin to neutralize an imminent threat against senior Israeli leadership. According to reports from Channel 14, the terrorist cell had planned to strike during a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Ganim community in northern Samaria.
The Operation in Jenin
The arrests took place across three separate buildings in Jenin, where three suspects were located. Security forces reportedly achieved complete tactical surprise, apprehending the operatives without resistance. The operation was managed from a forward command center by senior leadership, including the Commander of the Border Police, Maj. Gen. Brik Yitzhak, and the Commander of the Yamam.
Targeted Officials
The assassination plot reportedly targeted a delegation that included Defense Minister Israel Katz, Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and MK Yuli Edelstein. The foiling of the cell comes amid an intensified security environment in Judea and Samaria. As The Zioneer reported previously, Minister Katz has recently instructed the IDF to expand offensive operations in the region, citing the "Jenin model" as a successful framework for dismantling terror infrastructure.
Security Context
While the identities and specific affiliations of the captured operatives have not yet been released, the operation underscores the ongoing friction in Jenin, a known hub for terror factions. The successful intervention by the Yamam, Israel's premier unit for high-risk arrests and counter-terrorism, prevented what could have been a significant escalation. Security forces remain on high alert in the sector as investigations into the cell's broader network continue.
3 developments
- The Zioneer Intelligence Desk
- Katz instructs IDF to expand offensive operations in Judea and Samaria, prepare for capture of another refugee campShared subject
- Israeli forces kill three terrorists in Jenin, including senior Hamas operative Kais BittawiShared subject
- IDF Officer Critically Wounded by Explosive Device in JeninShared subject
- Fathi Khazem, founder of Jenin terror battalion and former PA colonel, eliminated in northern SamariaShared subject
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- Samaria council head Yossi Dagan secures Slovenian ministers' support for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria
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