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Israeli forces nab 70 Palestinian terror suspects in Judea and Samaria

Troops also seized large sums of terror-linked funds and dozens of weapons.

Israeli forces operate in Jenin. Credit: IDF.
Israeli forces operate in Jenin. Credit: IDF.

Israeli forces detained 70 Palestinian suspects during counter-terrorism operations across Judea and Samaria over the past week, the IDF said on Friday.

Troops also seized large sums of terrorism-linked funds and dozens of weapons, including explosive devices, M16 rifles and improvised “Carlo” submachine guns.

On Thursday, three terrorists were arrested in Qabatiya, near Jenin in northern Samara, while planning an attack on IDF troops. During the operation, soldiers discovered improvised explosive devices intended for use against them.

In a separate raid, Israeli soldiers uncovered and dismantled an explosives production lab in Al-Ram, near northern Jerusalem. Forces also operated in Hebron in Judea, apprehending five wanted suspects and confiscating hundreds of thousands of shekels earmarked for terrorism, along with a cache of weapons.

Two-thirds of Israelis (66%) fear the possibility of another Oct. 7-style massacre, this time originating from Judea and Samaria, according to a survey published this week by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA). Among Jewish respondents, 77% expressed concern, compared to 22% of Arab Israelis.

According to the JCFA, 64% of Israelis oppose the creation of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 lines. Just 8% support statehood without conditions, while 17% would back it if Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state and agree to demilitarization.

Among Jewish respondents, opposition is higher—77% overall, and 88% among right-wing voters.

The thieves entered the building with a rope and took 13-15 items worth about $100,000, authorities said.
A State Department official said that there was “significant momentum,” citing a successful pilot-zone launch in Lebanon and the Lebanese president’s meeting with Trump.
The operation took place in and around Tulkarem, Qalqilya, Shuweika and nearby Palestinian Authority cities and villages.
Additional attacks over the weekend killed two terrorist commanders in the Strip.
Due to heightened security concerns, government personnel and their families face temporary restrictions on entering the territory.
No air-raid sirens were activated “in accordance with protocol,” the military said.