IDF troops arrested a terrorist in Hebron over the Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) holiday who, according to the military, was planning to carry out an imminent shooting attack against Israeli civilians.
The arrest was carried out on Shabbat (Sabbath) under Shin Bet direction during an operation in the city.
According to the IDF, the forces arrested the terrorist, Abd al-Rahman, based on intelligence received from the Shin Bet. The military said he had been planning to carry out the shooting attack in the immediate future.
The arrest came after Central Command forces raised their level of readiness throughout Judea and Samaria in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
Ahead of the holiday, the IDF said that dozens of exercises, inspections, and drills had been conducted throughout the Judea and Samaria Division, alongside increased counterterrorism activity.
Preparations also included a two-brigade exercise along the security barrier, as well as brigade-level exercises in each of the regional brigades. According to the IDF, operational activity ahead of the holiday included the arrest of more than 220 wanted suspects and brigade-level operations throughout the region.
The readiness week culminated on the Friday before the holiday, when all battalions in the Judea and Samaria Division were called up for a large-scale surprise exercise. The IDF said the exercise was intended to improve the troops' capabilities and ensure that all units were prepared ahead of the holiday.
Central Command Commander Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth also conducted surprise inspections of several battalions, examining the troops' capabilities and operational readiness.
In addition, a situational assessment was held focusing on Central Command's readiness for war and its operational plans for a variety of scenarios.
Following the arrest, the IDF stressed that its soldiers "continue to operate to thwart terrorism throughout Judea and Samaria."