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Hamas Terror Cell in Jerusalem Planned Attacks on Lawmaker, Light Rail

A Hamas terror cell in eastern Jerusalem planned to attack several attacks, including a shooting attack on right-wing lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir and other Israeli targets, as well as to kidnap soldiers and manufacture bombs, the Shin Bet security service announced on Tuesday. They also acquired a drone in order to arm it and use it to attack the Jerusalem light rail. They planned to hide in Hebron or Jenin in the West Bank after carrying out their planned attacks. The cell was arrested last month.

The cell was led by Hamas leader Rashid Rashak from the Old City of Jerusalem. Rashak established a network of Jerusalem terrorists who planned to cause disturbances in the city’s eastern neighborhoods and in Har Homa during Ramadan in order to undermine stability in the city, including on the Temple Mount. The cell delivered fireworks, flags, and Hamas videos to eastern Jerusalem neighborhoods and the Temple Mount for use during the Ramadan disturbances, according to the Shin Bet.

“The Shin Bet and the Israel Police will continue to act resolutely in order to bring to justice those involved in all terrorist activities, in particular in the city of Jerusalem,” read a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has been regularly updated on the investigation of, and the operation to thwart, the terrorist cell that planned and acted to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, including against Knesset Member Itamar Ben-Gvir. The prime minister has instructed the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and the law enforcement authorities to take all necessary measures to apprehend whoever threatens the citizens of Israel.”