IDF arrests five-person terror cell in West Bank, confiscates military equipment

Israeli security forces arrested five members of a suspected terrorist cell in the Kabatiya area of the West Bank on Friday, according to the military.

Per the IDF, the five individuals were involved in planning and advancing terror attacks, and planning to carry out an attack against Israeli armed forces and civilians.

The military also touted the fact that the five were each apprehended within less than ten minutes of security forces reaching their locations.

Upon searching the suspected terrorists' homes, IDF soldiers found military equipment, including an M16 rifle.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the operation in a statement released later on Friday.

"I commend our forces on a successful operation in Samaria in which they destroyed dozens of lathes for weapons manufacturing, seized dozens of weapons, and arrested individuals wanted for involvement in terrorism. ​Our activity to thwart terrorism continues with full force in Judea and Samaria, Gaza, Lebanon, and every place where our enemies attempt to threaten the State of Israel," the prime minister said.

Also on Friday, the IDF announced that it had killed Muhammad Mahmoud Marshad al-Qadi, a Nukhba Force company commander, in a targeted strike in the Khan Yunis area in the southern Gaza Strip.

Qadi took part in the October 7 invasion and was also involved in keeping the Israeli hostages captive throughout the war in Rafah.

Recently, Qadi led training for Hamas terrorists and worked to rehabilitate the terrorist organization's capabilities, the IDF said, adding that he constituted an active threat because he had recently planned and advanced attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians.