A gag order was lifted on Monday revealing thirteen Arab residents of the eastern capital were arrested by security forces in April and May for their alleged involvement in shooting attacks and other acts of terrorism in the Jerusalem area. Some of the suspects have even turned over the weapons used in those attacks to authorities.

Shin Bet agents working with police tracked down the members of the three terror cells, who are believed to have targeted security officials and citizens in the shooting attacks. Three residents of Jabil Mukhaber were arrested on May 30th, admitting to the allegations against them, and turning over the weapons used.

Other arrests were made in April in connection to a shooting attack last March in which a policeman was injured. The three told interrogators they carried out the attack in response to the refurbishing and reopening of the Churva Shul.

Seven residents of Silwan, including minors, were taken into custody in connection to an attack against the area’s Jewish community security patrol jeep. They poured oil on the roadway and when the vehicle halted, they attacked with firebombs and rocks. Baruch Hashem, there were no injuries.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)