Full Breakdown
Shin Bet Disrupts Lebanon-Linked Terror Cells in West Bank
2/11/2026, 1:26:23 AM
Overview of the Operation
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has successfully dismantled a terror network operating in the West Bank, which was directed by individuals in Lebanon with connections to Hamas and Hezbollah. The operation, confirmed by Shin Bet on Tuesday, involved the arrest of five suspects who were allegedly preparing for a shooting attack against an Israeli settlement.
Key Details of the Terror Network
The investigation began in October 2025 when Muhammad Sidka, a resident of the northern West Bank village of Anza, was detained on suspicion of planning a terror attack. During his interrogation, Sidka disclosed that he had traveled to Lebanon, where he was recruited by Musa Abu Saif, also known as Jibril, to establish a terror cell in the West Bank. Upon returning via Jordan, Sidka recruited additional operatives, including Muhammad Khalil from Ramallah and Muhammad Barhamah from Anza, both of whom were subsequently arrested.
The Shin Bet reported that the operatives were tasked with photographing an Israeli settlement and underwent firearms training in preparation for an attack. Communication with their Lebanese handlers was maintained through social media and gaming applications.
Recruitment and Training
The Shin Bet's investigation revealed that the terror network's leader in Lebanon was Mujahid Dahsha, who coordinated activities with other operatives identified only by their aliases "Abu Ahmad" and "Abu Wahid." The recruits from the northern West Bank village of Tell, Dia al-Din Hamad and Nasser Asida, were also arrested during the operation. They had undergone firearms training and were instructed to conduct surveillance on an Israeli community, with promises of financial support for weapon purchases.
Context of Rising Violence
The disruption of these terror cells occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence in the West Bank, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which ignited a two-year conflict in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a significant increase in incidents of violence, including 867 cases of nationalistic crime and settler violence recorded in 2025, compared to 682 in 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
The Shin Bet emphasized the importance of their intelligence-gathering operations in thwarting these threats, stating that the network was in the advanced stages of planning an attack. The agency noted the ongoing challenges posed by external influences from Lebanon in recruiting operatives within the West Bank.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Shin Bet's actions have been praised for preventing potential attacks, there are concerns regarding the broader implications of increased military operations in Palestinian territories. Critics argue that such actions may exacerbate tensions and contribute to further violence in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “According to the agency, the network was tasked with photographing an Israeli settlement, and its members underwent firearms training in preparation for carrying out an attack.” — Shin Bet spokesperson
- “As part of their recruitment, the two carried out firearms training in preparation for carrying out an attack, were asked to photograph a community in Samaria [the northern West Bank], and arrangements were made with them for the transfer of funds for the purchase of weapons,” — Shin Bet statement
This operation highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Israel in the West Bank and the complexities of counter-terrorism efforts amid rising regional tensions.
