Hamas Terror Cell that Killed Officer Arrested

July 20, 2010

It appears the terror cell planned more attacks, including an abduction of an Israeli soldier or civilian. The operatives had been scouting the target area and purchased yarmulkes (kippot or skullcaps) and a wig for the attack. The cell members, all in their twenties, were arrested on June 22 by the IDF, the ISA and the Israel Police. Some of the terrorists have been held by Israeli security in the past due to their involvement with Hamas. The investigation is ongoing.

Following the questioning of the operatives, it was determined that the Hamas cell had been formed a few years ago and began combat operations in 2009, when the cell received shooting training. They accumulated weapons, including three AK-47 assault rifles. The cell prepared for the eventual attack by choosing an ambush site along Route 60, with the intended target an Israeli police car that drove the road every morning. The day of the attack, three of the terrorists were at the ambush site while a fourth operative acted as a look-out to watch for the IDF. The police car passed the site at 7:15 am the morning of June 14, and the terror operatives opened fire at the vehicle, resulting in the death of policeman Sofer.

After escaping the scene the terrorists burned the escape vehicle and hid the munitions, while an additional operative helped to hide the weapons. During the investigation the terrorists reenacted the attack and also turned over the three AK-47 assault rifles.
 

Posted on July 20, 2010

Source: (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, July 19, 2010)

Photo Credit: Isranet