The ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) in cooperation with the IDF arrested a four-man terror cell operating in Shomron, in the PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas of Tulkarem, Shechem and Jenin. The suspects are accused of planning terror attacks including the placement of explosive devices as well as shooting attack against Jewish worshipers and visitors to Kever Yosef in PA-occupied Shechem. They planned to target Jews who visited Kever Yosef without coordinating with the IDF, making them easy prey for their intended attacks.

The commanders of the cell are Gaza based, affiliated with Islamic Jihad. The suspects in custody are:

· Nissim Muhmad Rashid Damiri, born in 1985 and a resident of Tulkarem and aligned with the Tanzim faction of Fatah.

· Muhmad Rafiq Damiri, born in ’92 and a resident of Tulkarem and a PA policeman.

· Yasser Abed Tzarui, born in ’90 and a resident of Shechem. He was imprisoned in Israel in the past and known to be aligned with Hamas.

· Aduan Fadal Hassan, born in ’91 and a resident of Kabatya, aligned with Islamic Jihad.

According to the ISA report, the suspects worked with terrorists in Tulkarem, who would be carrying out the attacks along with other based in Jenin and Shechem. They furnished munitions, provided the terrorists with training and room and board in Shechem.

Nissim Damiri told interrogators about the planned attacks at Kever Yosef. Cousin Muhmad Damiri was going to be the lookout and provide information pertaining to Jewish mispallalim at the holy site.

The case has been handed over to the IDF prosecutor in the Shomron to permit preparing the indictments against the four.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)