Some 50 members of a Hamas network in the Bethlehem area of the West Bank were detained in a series of recent operations, the Shin Bet security agency announced on Thursday, saying they were planning to carry out imminent shooting attacks.

The security agency said that in cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Police, it detained the members of the Hamas network in recent weeks during 15 or so separate arrest raids.

Several weapons used by the Hamas operatives, including an assault rifle, were also captured, the agency’s statement said.

According to the Shin Bet, the suspects’ interrogations revealed that the leaders of the Hamas network recruited and set up terror cells, procured weapons and planned to carry out shootings against Israeli security forces and civilians.

“One of the terror cells was at an advanced stage of readiness to carry out attacks in the immediate term,” the agency said.

The Shin Bet said the arrests of the Hamas operatives “prevented major shooting and bombing attacks that could have resulted in significant [casualties]” among troops and civilians.

The investigation materials have been handed over to Military Prosecution to charge the suspects, the Shin Bet added.

In June,........

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