Israeli Security Forces Disrupt Major Terror Network

Israeli security forces have disrupted a significant terror network that was actively planning attacks against Jewish civilians and security personnel, authorities announced following the lifting of a publication ban.

The joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israel Police, and the Israel Defense Forces led to the arrest of more than 30 operatives from Jerusalem and the West Bank. Investigations into some of those detained remain ongoing.

Among those arrested were two Jerusalem residents identified as members of the "Shuhada al-Aqsa Brigades," a group associated with Hamas. One is Zbeih Abu Zbeih, son of Musbah Abu Zbeih, who carried out a deadly shooting attack in October 2016 that killed two Israeli civilians. The other is Rashid Rishek, who was released in January 2025 as part of the hostage exchange deal with Hamas.

Three additional Jerusalem residents were also detained: Mohammed Abu Zbeih, Mohammed Azmi Bakri, and Ahmed Azmi Bakri, all of whom investigators determined were part of the terror infrastructure.

According to the investigation, Rishek and Zbeih Abu Zbeih established an extensive terror network and recruited armed cells under their command throughout the West Bank, with the aim of carrying out attacks against Jewish civilians and security forces. Weapons intended for use in attacks were seized during the operation, along with additional combat equipment.

Investigators uncovered several specific attack plots during questioning. Ahmed Azmi Bakri and Rashid Rishek had planned to carry out an attack at a restaurant in the central Israeli city of Modiin where Ahmed was employed. Separately, Mohammed Bakri provided instruction to Rishek and Mohammed Abu Zbeih on preparing explosive devices after they disclosed their intention to conduct terror activity. Rashid and Zbeih also planned a shooting attack targeting security forces in the Jerusalem-area village of Azariya.

Following the investigation conducted by the Shin Bet and the Israel Police Central Unit in the Jerusalem District, the Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office filed serious indictments against all five suspects. The charges include managing a terror organization, active membership in a terror organization, conspiracy and preparation for murder under aggravated circumstances, weapons offenses, possession of property for terror purposes, recruiting members to a terror organization, and additional offenses. Prosecutors requested that all five remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings.

Additional indictments against West Bank residents involved in the network are expected to be filed in the coming days by the Judea and Samaria District Prosecutor's Office in military court.

The Shin Bet, Israel Police, and law enforcement agencies stated they will continue working to thwart any attempts by Hamas and other terror organizations to advance terrorist activity against Israeli residents and citizens, and will pursue maximum penalties against all those involved in such offenses.