Israeli Agencies Disclose Arrest of Suspected Islamic Jihad Operative in Bethlehem

Israel Police, the IDF and Shin Bet disclosed Wednesday that officers arrested a suspected Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative in Bethlehem on Monday. Their joint statement described the suspect as a local taxi driver aged about 48. The agencies alleged he had recently helped rebuild the terrorist group's infrastructure, was involved in externally directed terrorist plans and transferred terrorist funds. Gideonim Unit 33 officers made the daylight arrest after surveillance teams followed his taxi to its destination, according to the statement. The Etzion Regional Brigade led the intelligence and operational effort with Shin Bet cooperation, and the suspect was taken for questioning.