Additional details have emerged about the terrorist cell foiled by the Yamam counter-terror unit in Jenin overnight. The cell planned to attack this morning's inauguration ceremony of the Ganim community in northern Samaria, attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and MK Yuli Edelstein, according to Israeli media reports. The arrests took place across three buildings without resistance, with senior Border Police and Yamam commanders directing the operation from the command post.
Just over half an hour after The Zioneer first reported that the Yamam counter-terror unit foiled a terrorist cell in Jenin planning to assassinate Defense Minister Israel Katz, additional operational details have clarified the specific target: this morning's inauguration ceremony of the Ganim community in northern Samaria. The cell, active in the Jenin area, planned to attack the event attended by a delegation of senior officials including Defense Minister Katz, Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, and MK Yuli Edelstein. The arrests were carried out across three separate buildings in Jenin, with the three terrorists reportedly taken by complete surprise, offering no resistance. The operation was managed from a forward command post by the Commander of the Israel Border Police, Maj. Gen. Brik Yitzhak, the Commander of the Border Police's Judea and Samaria Division, Deputy Commander Nisso Guata, and the Yamam commander.
The initial report, published by Channel 14 and confirmed by The Zioneer at 20:05 Thursday evening, identified the Yamam as the force that foiled the plot. Minutes later, at 20:20, The Zioneer published more detailed operational information, including the command structure and the three-building operation. These details have now been corroborated by further reporting. The Ganim inauguration ceremony proceeded as planned under heightened security.
The foiling of the cell underscores the persistent terror threat emanating from the Jenin area, which as The Zioneer has previously reported, is a hub for armed factions and the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices. Defense Minister Katz has recently instructed the IDF to expand offensive operations using what he termed the "Jenin model," a framework for dismantling terror infrastructure. The targeting of a high-profile official ceremony with multiple ministers and a Knesset member highlights the elevated threat level in the region.
The identities and organizational affiliations of the three arrested terrorists have not yet been officially released. The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is investigating the cell's network and possible additional operatives. As of this publication, no organization has claimed responsibility for the planned attack.
3 developments
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- DevelopingGanim settlement to be re-established Thursday, 21 years after disengagement
- StrongSamaria council head presents plan for 18 new settlements in northern Samaria at Washington conference, wins congressional support
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