IDF uncovers weapons smuggling operation tied to Iran in the West Bank

The IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and Border Police demolished the home of terrorist Mahend Al-Sauda in the area of Idna in the West Bank, the military said on Wednesday. 

Al-Sauda carried out a shooting attack near the Tarqumiyah checkpoint on September 1, 2024, in which Ch.-Insp. Arik Ben Eliyahu, Senior-NCO Hadas Branch, and Adv.-St.-Sgt.-Maj. Roni Shakuri were killed. 

In Tubas, two wanted individuals were arrested, and a handgun was seized, the military added. 

IDF locates weapons smuggling from Iran 

Additionally, while operating in the West Bank, the IDF and Shin Bet seized weapons originating from Iran that were intended to arm terrorist operatives in the Jenin area, the military said. 

As part of the operation, security forces seized rockets, 40 Claymore explosives, wireless activation systems, bombs, mortar launchers, sniper rifles, and additional weapons, the IDF noted. 

The 4000th Division, the Special Operations Division of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization, headed by Jawad Ghafari, and the Special Operations Unit of the Quds Force, in Syrian territory (18840), under the command of Unit 840's leader, Etsar Bakri, were responsible for the smuggling operation. 

In recent months, Israeli security forces identified attempts by Iranian forces to resume smuggling advanced weapons into Israel intended for the West Bank, the IDF stated.