IDF arrests Islamic Jihad Bethlehem head

Palestinians say teen killed in clashes during operation; 17 fugitives nabbed elsewhere in W. Bank.

Bethlehem arrest 224.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
Bethlehem arrest 224.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
The Bethlehem head of the Islamic Jihad was arrested Monday night in a joint IDF, Border Police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) operation. Muhammad Isa Halil Abeda commanded several Islamic Jihad terror cells and was involved in planning and funding terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, the army said. Abeda was arrested after being holed up for several hours in his house. During the arrest operation, Palestinians hurled Molotov cocktails, building blocks and rocks at the troops, who responded by firing at their lower bodies. Palestinians reported that a 17-year-old youth was killed in the clashes. The army said it was looking into the claim. In other West Bank operations overnight Monday, IDF troops arrested 17 Palestinian terror suspects. The detainees were transferred for security interrogations.