Israeli security forces arrested 21 wanted individuals and seized an M-16 rifle, two pistols, and ammunition during overnight raids in Bethlehem and Tulkarm, the IDF said. Troops searched some 50 structures in Bethlehem. Since the start of 2026, over 250 weapons and 40 weapon-production lathes have been confiscated across Judea and Samaria.
Overnight Tuesday, IDF soldiers operating with the ISA and Israel Border Police launched a large-scale counterterrorism sweep in the Bethlehem area of Judea and Samaria, the military said in an official statement. Troops searched approximately 50 structures, apprehended 19 wanted individuals including arms dealers, and confiscated an M-16 rifle along with ammunition and weapon parts. In a separate simultaneous raid in Tulkarm, forces arrested two additional wanted suspects and seized two pistols and ammunition.
The IDF noted that since the beginning of 2026, troops have confiscated more than 250 weapons and 40 weapon-production machines across Judea and Samaria — part of ongoing efforts to dismantle local arms manufacturing networks. The Etzion Brigade, which has operational responsibility for the Bethlehem sector, carried out the main raid. The Tulkarm operation was conducted by forces in the Menashe Brigade area. No injuries to troops or civilians were reported. The operations are the latest in a sustained campaign against weapons smuggling and production in the region.
3 developments
- StrongIsraeli forces stop weapons smuggling in Jordan Valley, arrest Bethlehem suspect
- StrongIDF: Over 240 firearms seized in Judea and Samaria since January, hidden in civilian buildings
- DevelopingPolice arrest 19 Palestinians in Judea and Samaria, including fugitives and criminal suspects
- DevelopingIsraeli security forces operate overnight in multiple West Bank cities
Source and signal
- Internal intake