Firebomb explosion (illustrative)
Firebomb explosion (illustrative)Israel news photo: Flash 90

Indictments were handed down this week in potentially deadly terror attacks by a Tanzim terrorist cell, the military wing of the ruling Fatah faction of the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli security personnel foiled the operations in a joint sting operation by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), IDF and Israel Police several months ago that shut down the cell, arresting five of the operatives at a house in Beit Fajr, near Bethlehem.

Security personnel discovered six makeshift weapons and a fake explosive device during the arrest and their search of the premises.

The five were indicted in connection with attacks on residents of Migdal Oz, a Jewish community in the eastern section of Gush Etzion, including a shooting attack on a bus that was traveling from the town, and an incident in which they fired shots at Migdal Oz itself, then shot at IDF troops and security officials who came to the site in the wake of the attack. 

All five were charged in military court with carrying out shooting attacks and hurling firebombs (Molotov cocktails) at the Jewish community.

The terrorists, who are being held without bail, were also charged with placing a fake bomb in the area.

No one was injured in any of the attacks.