WATCH: IDF arrests over 60 suspects in West Bank, including 18 suspected Hamas affiliates
Weeklong operations across six West Bank brigades targeted terror cells, weapons manufacturing, and incitement, the IDF said.IDF troops, operating with Shin Bet direction, arrested more than 60 wanted suspects across the West Bank this week, including 18 Hamas operatives, during a series of raids targeting terror cells and weapons trafficking hubs.The arrests took place in multiple sectors, including in those of the Etzion, Judea, Binyamin, Menashe, Shomron, and Ephraim Brigades, as troops seized rifles, pistols, magazines, and explosives, and closed two workshops used to manufacture weapons.In the Etzion sector, forces carried out roughly 300 searches and 220 interrogations over three days, leading to the arrest of four suspects accused of planning attacks and eight others tied to weapons trafficking, the military said.Troops also confiscated more than 15 vehicles allegedly purchased with terror funds.In the northern West Bank, troops detained 18 wanted Hamas operatives and inciters, along with suspects linked to recent attacks.IDF seizes weapons in West Bank raids, November 21, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)Seized materiel included M16 and M4 rifles, pistols, a “Carlo” submachine gun, a gas grenade, magazines, and improvised charges.In Binyamin, forces conducted four focused operations and arrested 17 additional suspects, including alleged arms dealers and Molotov cocktail throwers, while seizing an M4 rifle, a pistol, and other equipment. In Menashe, Yamam and West Bank undercover units arrested suspects advancing terror infrastructure, with further arrests in the village of Barta’a.In the southern West Bank, IDF troops with Israel Police located and seized two lathes used to manufacture weapons, two hunting rifles, and a “Carlo” firearm, arresting nine suspects. Forces in Ephraim conducted warning conversations and made additional arrests in Tulkarm and nearby villages. All detainees and seized items were transferred to the Israel Police and the Shin Bet for further investigation.In Kafr Akab in east Jerusalem, Israel Border Police officers from the counterterrorism Yamas unit killed two Palestinians and injured two others during a Thursday night operation against individuals attempting to harm security personnel.A recent rise in IDF counterterrorism activity in the West BankThe raids followed a sustained uptick in West Bank counterterrorism activity this month, including operations that thwarted imminent plots and dismantled cells, according to recent reporting.In recent days, the IDF said it killed an assailant in Nablus and arrested additional suspects in overnight raids, while other operations netted dozens of arrests and exposed networks preparing attacks.The IDF has said these campaigns aim to preempt escalation by degrading weapons production and arresting organizers before attacks are carried out, with a particular focus on Hamas-linked infrastructure in the West Bank.
