JERUSALEM – Israel’s domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, announced today the dismantling of a significant and complex Hamas terror infrastructure centered in the West Bank city of Hebron. The large-scale operation, conducted in recent months in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Police, resulted in the arrest of over 60 Hamas operatives.
A senior Shin Bet official described the initiative as the “largest and most complex investigation by the Shin Bet in the Judea and Samaria area in the past decade,” utilizing extensive resources and intelligence capabilities to uncover and neutralize the network before planned attacks could be executed.
Scale and Scope of the Operation
The security forces have been actively pursuing this network over recent months, culminating in the detention of more than 60 individuals identified as Hamas members across 10 linked terror cells. The sheer number of arrests and the interconnectedness of the cells highlight the extensive reach and organizational capabilities the network had managed to establish within the Hebron area.
The joint nature of the operation, involving close cooperation between the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Israel Police, underscores the multi-faceted approach required to counter such deeply embedded threats. This collaboration was crucial in gathering intelligence, locating operatives, and conducting arrests across the complex urban terrain of Hebron and surrounding areas within the West Bank (known in Israel as the Judea and Samaria area).
The Network’s Structure and Activities
According to the Shin Bet, the dismantled infrastructure was orchestrated by senior Hamas operatives primarily based in the Hebron area. Many of these key figures had previous records of involvement in terrorist activities and had served time in Israeli prisons before their release. Leveraging their experience and standing within Hamas, these operatives actively engaged in recruiting, arming, and training new members for the expressed purpose of carrying out shooting and bombing attacks.
The planned targets for these attacks included both Israeli civilians and military personnel, spanning locations within the West Bank itself and inside Israel proper. The scope of the planned operations indicates an intent to cause significant casualties and destabilize the security situation across a wide geographic area.
Operational Preparations and Capabilities
Investigations revealed that the detained operatives were engaged in a range of preparatory activities essential for executing complex attacks. These included conducting firearms training to hone shooting skills, meticulously gathering intelligence on potential targets, manufacturing explosive material from readily available precursors, and assembling improvised explosive devices designed for maximum destructive potential.
Authorities emphasized that despite the advanced stage of planning and preparation, no attacks orchestrated by this specific network were successfully carried out. The timing of the security forces’ intervention appears to have preempted imminent threats, preventing potential loss of life and injury.
Link to Past Incidents and Ongoing Investigation
The Shin Bet stated that interrogations of the detainees have not only yielded critical information about the dismantled network but have also led to the identification of further suspects involved in related activities. Furthermore, the investigations have uncovered potential links between some of the detained individuals and past terrorist acts.
Notably, some detainees are suspected of involvement in a deadly shooting attack that occurred nearly 15 years ago. This connection underscores the long-term threat posed by experienced operatives and the persistent nature of their engagement in hostile activities.
Evidence and Documentation
As part of the announcement, the Shin Bet published handout photos on June 29, 2025, providing visual evidence of the operation’s success. These images depict captured weapons intended for use in planned attacks, including firearms and potentially components for explosive devices. Additionally, photos show a Hamas hideout area discovered in Hebron, believed to have been used by the network for planning, training, or storing equipment.
Conclusion
The dismantling of this extensive Hamas terror network in Hebron represents a significant achievement for Israeli security forces. By neutralizing over 60 operatives across multiple cells, including senior figures with prior experience, the operation has likely prevented numerous potential attacks in the West Bank and Israel. The scale, complexity, and longevity of the network highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel and the continuous efforts required to counter terrorist organizations operating in the region.
