Israeli security forces are continuing to crack down on the Nablus-based Lions’ Den group, arresting three members overnight.
During the raid, troops from IDF commando units as well as Shin Bet officers raided buildings in the West Bank city to arrest members of the group who are suspected of “major involvement in terror activities,” the IDF said in a statement.
One of the members who was arrested was identified by the IDF as Muhammed Nabulsi, brother of one of the group’s founding members Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, on suspicion of possessing weapons, manufacturing explosives and being involved with the terror group.
Another Palestinian suspected of opening fire on an Israeli vehicle in Huwaraa on September 19 was also arrested, as was another suspect who was arrested with weapons in his possession.
During the raid, gunshots were heard in the area. There were no injuries to Israeli forces.
The group has conducted a number of recent attacks on Israelis, including the lethal drive-by shooting of St.-Sgt. Ido Baruch in early October.
The raid came a day after five members of the group were killed in a large-scale operation by the IDF, Shin Bet and Israel Police.
The five Palestinians were identified as 27-year-old Mishaal Zahi Baghdadi, 35-year-old Hamdi Sharaf, 26-year-old Ali Antar, 30-year-old Hamdi Qayyim, and 31-year-old Wadi al-Houh.
According to reports, Houh was also considered to be a founding member of the Nablus-based group. His home was used as a hub where connections were made between bomb-makers and locals who would carry out attacks.
Less than 48 hours earlier, another senior member of the group, Tamer el-Kilani, was killed after a motorcycle rigged with an explosive device exploded as he walked by in the Old City of Nablus.
Following the Israeli activity against the group, the defense establishment is said to be on high alert for revenge attacks by Lions’ Den and its supporters.
More arrests overnight
A total of 18 wanted suspects were arrested overnight, including in the villages of Tuku, Beit Fajar, Dura, Tarqumiyah, Azaria, and others.
In the village of Bidu, where troops arrested four wanted suspects, a violent riot broke out, with local residents throwing stones at troops who used riot dispersal means. In the village of Ja’ba, troops interrogated over 30 individuals who were suspected of being involved in terror activity and arrested three suspects. Another three people were arrested in the village of Azun.
The raids come as Israel continues Operation Break the Wave, which began after a wave of terror attacks claimed the lives of 20 people. Israeli security forces have arrested over 2,000 suspects since the operation began in April, and over 150 Palestinians have been killed, either during clashes or while carrying out attacks.