Israeli security forces thwarted an alleged assassination plot targeting Defense Minister Israel Katz just hours before he was scheduled to attend the inauguration of the renewed community of Ganim in northern Shomron.

According to Israeli authorities, the Shin Bet received urgent intelligence Thursday evening indicating that a trained three-man terror cell from Jenin was preparing to attack Katz during the ceremony, which was also attended by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, MK Yuli Edelstein, and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan.

The intelligence triggered an immediate operation involving the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit. Within hours, commandos deployed to Jenin, conducted rapid operational planning, and simultaneously raided three separate locations where the suspects were hiding.

All three terror suspects were arrested without incident before they were able to arm themselves and were transferred to the Shin Bet for interrogation.

Investigators are also examining the possibility that the terrorists intended to carry out a broader massacre targeting participants at the event or residents of the newly reestablished community.

The IDF confirmed that Yamam commandos, acting on precise Shin Bet intelligence and under the command of the Menashe Brigade, arrested three wanted terrorists in Jenin who were suspected of planning an imminent attack.

Following the arrests, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan said the alleged plot underscored the strategic importance of renewed Jewish settlement in northern Shomron.

“The attempt to target specifically the establishment ceremony of Ganim proves just how deeply the enemy understands the strategic significance of returning to Northern Samaria,” Dagan said. “They understand that strong Jewish settlement changes the reality and strengthens the security of the State of Israel.”

He added that Israel’s response would be to continue building and strengthening Jewish communities in the area.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)