Five Palestinian Youths Arrested in West Bank Over Terror Cell Formation
Five Palestinian teenagers were arrested in the West Bank for forming the 'Sa'ir Battalions' terror cell. In separate raids, security forces seized weapons and captured a suspect involved in a vehicular ramming.
Five Palestinian Youths Arrested Over Terror Cell Formation
Five Palestinian teenagers, all aged 15, were arrested overnight in the West Bank village of Sa'ir on suspicion of establishing a terrorist militia dubbed the "Sa'ir Battalions." According to the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, the suspects operated against Israeli vehicles and communities in the area.
Investigators allege that the members carried out a series of sabotage acts, including hurling firebombs, throwing stones, and intentionally setting fires to brushland near Israeli settlements with the intent of spreading flames toward homes. The arrests followed intelligence gathered by the Judea and Samaria District Police and the Shin Bet.
"The suspects formed a military-style force and acted within an organized framework, engaging in violent incitement, tearing down Israeli flags, and attacking traffic routes," police stated.
Forces from the IDF Etzion Brigade and the Hebron Hills counter-terrorism unit raided the village and apprehended the five suspects. They were transferred to the investigative unit for further questioning.
Weapons Seized and Suspect Arrested After Ramming Attempt
In a separate counter-terror and law enforcement operation in the village of Beit Ula, security forces raided the home of a man in his 60s. During the search, officers recovered two handguns, including a Glock and an Egyptian Star pistol, alongside dozens of 9mm rounds, fireworks stockpiles, and tens of thousands of shekels in cash. The suspect was arrested for questioning.
Meanwhile, police located and arrested another suspect who fled over the weekend after attempting to run over officers with a stolen vehicle. The incident began near the Gush Etzion Junction, where the driver—operating a car stolen near Kiryat Malachi—breached multiple police checkpoints and rammed patrol cars.
After driving over spike strips deployed by officers, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot toward a nearby Palestinian village. Intelligence operations by the Hebron unit led to his apprehension this morning at the Tarqumiyah crossing. He was taken to the Etzion police station for interrogation ahead of a remand hearing.
