Israeli security forces announced the uncovering of a smuggling network for dual-use materials used to manufacture explosives for terror groups in Judea and Samaria. Fourteen suspects, including an Israeli citizen and several Palestinians, were arrested and approximately 175 kg of materials were seized in the 'Alchemist' operation, authorities said.
The covert investigation, code-named 'Alchemist,' was led by the Border Police's Judea and Samaria unit in coordination with the Israel Tax Authority's Yahalom unit, the Shin Bet, and IDF intelligence. The probe was launched following an increase in the threat of IEDs in the region, which have caused casualties among Israeli forces.
According to the investigation, an Israeli citizen and several Palestinians allegedly smuggled dual-use materials into Judea and Samaria worth millions of shekels and failed to report the income to tax authorities. The materials are suspected to have reached terror organizations and been used to manufacture explosives.
During the initial phase, eight suspects were arrested. Overnight, an additional six suspects were detained in Jericho, Ramallah, and Jenin, bringing the total to 14. Approximately 175 kg of materials were seized during the overnight activity. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
The Zioneer has previously reported on a series of counterterror operations in the region, including the destruction of weapon-production lathes near Nablus and the uncovering of a tunnel near Jerusalem.
2 developments
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Source and signal
- Internal intake