Today, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian Authority Arab in the village of Burqin, located near Bruchin, and fatally shot another individual during the operation. Security officials suspect that one or both of these individuals may be tied to the terror attack in Bruchin that claimed the life of Tze’ela Gez.
According to a joint statement, “As part of the IDF and ISA’s efforts to locate the terrorist who carried out the shooting attack in which Tze’ela Gez was murdered, the IDF conducted targeted searches in the area of Bruchin, adjacent to the scene of the attack, with the direction of the ISA.”
On Shabbos morning, Israeli forces detained several people suspected of being involved in the deadly incident.
During the arrest operation, one suspect was spotted charging toward the troops with a backpack that appeared to contain explosives, while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” Recognizing the threat, soldiers acted swiftly and neutralized him. No injuries were reported among Israeli personnel. Authorities are now working to confirm the identity of the attacker and whether he was planning to detonate the device.
“The inquiry into the terrorist attack is being led by the ISA and the Israel Police and remains ongoing,” the statement continued. “The IDF, ISA and Israel Police will continue to operate in order to protect the civilians of Israel.”
The hunt for those responsible has been underway since the attack on Wednesday night. A major operation took place on Thursday in the village of Tamun, where elite Duvdevan forces surrounded several buildings thought to be hiding suspects. A gunfight ensued, resulting in the deaths of five suspects and the arrest of another.
Following the raid, the IDF reported that those involved had been preparing “significant military terrorist activity.” Troops discovered three M-16 assault rifles and four tactical vests used by the militants.
Simultaneously, undercover officers from the Judea and Samaria Border Police unit apprehended three armed terrorists in Tubas. Authorities seized six M-16 rifles, a handgun, a grenade, and additional equipment. They also located a cache of explosives that were ready for use in the building where the suspects had taken cover.
{Matzav.com Israel}