Jerusalem, 21 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Undercover counter-terrorism operatives from the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 “Gidonim” unit arrested a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) operative, who was working under the cover as a local taxi driver, during a daylight operation in Bethlehem, Israeli security agencies confirmed.
The 48-year-old suspect, tracked under precise surveillance by ground units and observation assets led by the Etzion Regional Brigade and the Israel Security Agency (ISA), was taken into custody in seconds upon arriving at his destination.
Defense officials stated the operative played a key role in rehabilitating PIJ infrastructure, executing directives from external leadership, and funneling illicit terror funds across the sector.
The suspect was transferred to the ISA for interrogation as counter-terror operations continue.
