A large Hamas-linked terrorist infrastructure that allegedly recruited cells across the West Bank to carry out attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel was uncovered in a joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israel Police and the IDF, the agencies announced on Tuesday.
More than 30 suspects from Jerusalem and the West Bank were arrested as part of the operation, according to the security agencies. Investigations into some of those detained remained ongoing.
Among those arrested were Jerusalem residents Tzabih Abu Tzabih and Rashid Rishq, whom authorities identified as members of Shabab al-Aqsa, an organization affiliated with Hamas.
Abu Tzabih is the son of Misbah Abu Tzabih, who carried out a shooting attack in Jerusalem in October 2016 that killed two Israelis. The victims in that attack were Adv.-Staff-Sgt.-Maj. Yosef Kirma, 29, a police officer, and Levana Malichi, 60, a former Knesset employee.
Abu Tzabih opened fire near Israel Police headquarters before being pursued and killed by police.
Rishq was released in 2025 as part of a hostage-release deal, according to Tuesday's statement.
Broad Hamas terror infrastructure established, armed cells recruited
Three additional Jerusalem residents, Mohammed Abu Tzabih, Mohammed Azmi Bakri and Ahmad Azmi Bakri, were also arrested on suspicion of belonging to the infrastructure.
The Shin Bet and the Jerusalem District Police's Central Unit investigation found that Rishq and Tzabih Abu Tzabih had allegedly established the broader terrorist infrastructure and recruited armed cells under their command throughout the West Bank, according to the statement.
The cells were intended to carry out attacks against Jews and Israeli security personnel, authorities said. Weapons allegedly intended for attacks, along with other combat equipment, were seized during the investigation.
Investigators also found that Ahmad Azmi Bakri and Rishq allegedly intended to advance an attack at a restaurant in Modi'in where Bakri worked.
Mohammed Bakri allegedly instructed Rishq and Mohammed Abu Tzabih on how to prepare explosive devices after the two told him that they intended to carry out terrorist activity, according to investigators.
Shooting attack planned against security personnel
Rishq and Tzabih Abu Tzabih also allegedly planned a shooting attack against security personnel in Eizariya, east of Jerusalem, the agencies said.
Following the conclusion of the Shin Bet and Jerusalem District Central Unit investigation into the five Jerusalem suspects, an indictment was filed against them on charges including managing a terrorist organization, active membership in a terrorist organization, conspiracy and preparation to commit an act of terrorism involving aggravated murder, weapons offenses, possession of property for terrorist purposes, recruiting and attempting to recruit members to a terrorist organization, and additional offenses.
Authorities said they expected to file indictments against West Bank residents suspected of involvement in the network in the coming days.