The General Security Service (Shin Bet), assisted by the IDF and the police, succeeded in preventing Hamas-sponsored terrorist attack with the abduction of Israelis in Samaria. The attack was being prepared for the festive week of Hanukkah.

The terrorist cell that planned the attack was discovered during October and November. During the interrogation, the detainees told that they were going to kidnap a soldier or settler at one of the bus stops in the area of ??Shechem in Samaria.

Members of the cell were in touch with the command of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and received funding from there, note Vesti.

The plan of terrorists was to change into settlers and take a drink at one of the central crossroads of Samaria.

On suspicion of planning the attack, 26-year-old Muad Ashtiy from Hamas and two 19-year-old Arabs - Muhammed and Ahmed Ramadan from the village of Tal near Shechem.

The senior was responsible for the acquisition of weapons (pistols, electric shocks and gas cartridges) and the mobilization of accomplices. He also dealt with the preparation of a refuge, where it was planned to hide the stolen.

The kidnappers were going to use the Israelis to blackmail Israel to force the government to release Hamas militants from prison.