Israeli security forces thwarted a planned terror attack overnight in Balata, near Shechem, arresting a terrorist belonging to Tanzim – the armed wing of Fatah – who is suspected of also serving as a weapons dealer, in a targeted raid carried out by the Gideonim 33 unit of the Lahav 433 division.

The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Shin Bet and led by the Shomron Division. According to intelligence information received ahead of the raid, the suspect had been planning to carry out an attack against security forces and civilians in the immediate term.

The suspect is described as a sensitive target who had previously evaded several earlier arrest attempts. After receiving an indication that he had returned to his home, forces prepared for a focused operation, raided the building, carried out a rapid takeover, and arrested the suspect on the scene.

The suspect was transferred for continued interrogation by the Shin Bet. The IDF stated that security forces will continue to act decisively against terror elements, weapons dealers, and other actors who endanger public safety, combining advanced intelligence and operational capabilities.