Israeli security forces uncovered a wide terror network operating to carry out attacks against Israelis, arresting over 30 operatives from Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, the IDF, Shin Bet and Israel Police announced Tuesday. Indictments were filed against five key suspects, including two Jerusalem residents affiliated with the Hamas-linked Shabab al-Aqsa group: Zbih Abu Zbih, son of a terrorist who killed two Israelis in 2016, and Rashid Rishq, released in the January 2025 hostage deal. The network was planning shootings and bomb attacks, including at a restaurant in Modiin.
In a joint operation, Israeli security forces neutralized a significant terror network that had been in advanced stages of planning attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel. The Shin Bet, Israel Police, and IDF arrested over 30 suspects from Jerusalem and across Judea and Samaria, with investigations ongoing for some detainees.
Indictments were filed Tuesday against five principal suspects at the Jerusalem District Court. Among them are Zbih Abu Zbih and Rashid Rishq, both Jerusalem residents and operatives in the Shabab al-Aqsa group, which is linked to Hamas. Abu Zbih is the son of Musbah Abu Zbih, who carried out a deadly attack in October 2016 that killed two Israelis. Rishq was released in the January 2025 hostage deal. The indictment charges them with managing a terror organization, active membership, conspiracy to commit murder, weapons offenses, and recruitment for terrorism.
According to the investigation, Rishq and Abu Zbih established the network and recruited armed cells under their command across Judea and Samaria. Specific plots included a shooting attack against security forces in Azaria and a bombing at a Modiin restaurant where one of the suspects worked. Security forces seized weapons and combat equipment during the investigation.
The operation is part of ongoing Israeli counter-terror efforts. As The Zioneer has reported, authorities have foiled numerous plots this year across the region, including tunnel networks near Jerusalem and cells planning mass-casualty attacks. Additional indictments against other suspects involved in this infrastructure are expected in the coming days via the Judea and Samaria military court.
3 developments
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- StrongFive indicted in foiled Jerusalem-area terror infrastructure sweep; two hold Israeli citizenship
- DevelopingFive suspects to stand trial in Cyprus for Hamas-linked plot against Israeli targets
- StrongSecurity establishment prepares for possible war in Judea and Samaria after terror wave, Channel 14 reports
Source and signal
- Open-source intake