Jerusalem, 22 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli elite police units thwarted an imminent gangland assassination on Thursday, arresting four alleged members of the Hariri organized crime network as they moved into position.
Following real-time intelligence, the International Crime Investigations Unit at Lahav 433, Israel’s version of the FBI) and Coastal District detectives tracked the cell moving from central to northern Israel.
Officers executed a targeted intercept, detaining four suspects—three from Shefa-‘Amr and one from Ibtin, Arab towns in northern Israel.
Three of the operatives were apprehended wearing ski masks and carrying loaded M16 assault rifles equipped with silencers.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the operation is part of an escalated national campaign against severe violent crime in Arab communities. Remand proceedings and interrogations are ongoing.
