JERUSALEM (VINnews)- Israel’s Shin Bet security agency said it has dismantled a terror network based in Judea-Samaria that was directed by operatives in Lebanon with ties to Hamas and Hezbollah.

The network was instructed to photograph an Israeli settlement in preparation for an attack, and its members conducted firearms training, the agency said. Five Palestinians from Judea-Samaria have been indicted in connection with the case.

In October 2025, Shin Bet agents detained Mohammad Sadka, a Palestinian from the village of Anza in Judea-Samaria, on suspicion of planning a terror attack.

Interrogation of Sadka revealed that he had traveled to Lebanon, where he was recruited by a Lebanese operative identified as Musa Abu Saif, also known as Jibril, to enlist others for the network. After returning to Judea-Samaria via Jordan, Sadka recruited additional operatives, including Mohammad Khalil from Ramallah and Mohammad Barahmeh from Anza, who were subsequently arrested for questioning, Shin Bet said.

Sadka maintained contact with his Lebanese handlers through social networks and gaming applications, the agency added.

Shin Bet said it simultaneously uncovered another cell managed by the same Lebanese figures. Two Palestinians from the village of Tell — Dia a-Din Hamad and Nasser Asida — were arrested.

Investigations showed they were recruited by a Lebanese operative using the name Mujahid, along with others known as Abu Ahmad and Abu Wahid. Contact was maintained via social media.

As part of their recruitment, the pair underwent firearms training in preparation for an attack, were directed to photograph a community in Samaria in the northern part of Judea-Samaria, and arrangements were made to transfer funds for purchasing weapons, Shin Bet said.

Further intelligence and investigations identified the head of the Lebanese infrastructure as Mujahid Dahsha, a Lebanon resident with ties to Hamas and Hezbollah operatives.

Shin Bet described the operation as a significant disruption of efforts by Hamas and Hezbollah to establish and activate terror cells in Judea-Samaria through remote direction and recruitment.