Israel Defense Forces Arrest Three Terror Suspects in Binyamin
Duvdevan commandos arrested three men whom the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet identified as terrorists planning attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. The agencies announced the operation on Friday, November 6.
The commandos operated during the week in al Amari, a Ram and al Bireh, within the Binyamin Brigade's area, acting on Shin Bet intelligence. The joint announcement was posted on the military's official Telegram channel and appeared in its November 6 operational update at 11:31 Israel time.
Three Localities, Then Further Questioning
The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet said the detainees had been preparing terrorist attacks and military activity against Israeli citizens and troops. They were transferred to the security forces for further questioning after the operation.
The Times of Israel's live update described the activity as taking place in the Ramallah area.
Why Duvdevan Handles These Missions
Duvdevan, also known as Unit 217, was established in June 1986. The military's official history says it was created to develop specialized methods for security operations in Judea and Samaria, particularly in densely populated areas.
The unit carries out counterterror missions, including arrests of wanted suspects, and works both openly and undercover. Its official description lists continuing operational activity, nighttime arrests and ambushes among its roles.
Duvdevan belongs to the Commando Brigade, alongside Maglan and Egoz. The military says its operational scope expanded after joining that formation, while intensive activity in Judea and Samaria continued. The unit received a chief of staff citation in October 2016 for its work during the wave of terrorist attacks that began in 2015.
A Separate Investigation Near Jenin
The Binyamin announcement follows another counterterror case disclosed earlier in the week. Six suspects were detained in an investigation into rocket production near Jenin in the north of Samaria, according to a joint statement the Shin Bet and Israel Police released on November 3.
According to investigators, the cell built explosive charges and the casing of a rocket, then fired it in three trial launches. Guidance reached its members over a messaging app, sent by a contact from outside the cell, they added. Police recovered an M16 rifle, an RPG body and written instructions relating to explosives and rockets.
Ynet's account of the joint announcement placed that case at the prosecutor's declaration stage, ahead of expected indictments.
An Earlier Plot Targeted Soldiers in Jerusalem
A separate October 13 announcement concerned an ISIS linked plot against soldiers in Jerusalem. Police and the Shin Bet said an 18 year old man from Umm al Fahm had pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization and planned an attack in the Old City.
Detectives from the Central Unit of the Coastal District police led that case together with the Shin Bet. Channel 14 reported that searches recovered digital materials and other evidence that investigators said supported their suspicions. The agencies described the planning as extending over the preceding year.
After about a month of investigation, a prosecutor's declaration was filed ahead of an indictment. In that earlier case, the police and Shin Bet said their joint work would continue to identify terrorist threats and bring those involved to justice.
