IDF operations in the West Bank have uncovered numerous weapons caches in civilian areas since the beginning of the year, the military confirmed on Monday.
The findings point to terror groups embedding themselves within civilian population centers, the military added. Among the weapons caches uncovered were firearms, lathes used to manufacture weapons, ammunition, and additional equipment,
"Since the beginning of 2026 alone, more than 240 firearms and many additional weapons have been confiscated," the IDF said.
In one case, during IDF operations in April, troops discovered ammunition for both long and short-barreled weapons hidden inside a well-known hardware store in Bethlehem, within the Etzion Regional Brigade. The store owner was later apprehended.
In another incident in recent months in Nablus, within the Samaria Regional Brigade, IDF forces located a lathe used to manufacture weapons inside a civilian building. The site’s owner was also apprehended.
Found weapons point to terror groups exploiting civilian infrastructure
"These findings provide further evidence of attempts by terrorist groups to establish themselves within civilian areas and exploit civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes," the military said.
"The IDF and security forces will continue operating to thwart terrorism throughout Judea and Samaria in order to safeguard the security of Israeli civilians," the statement concluded.