Israeli security forces busted a weapons production facility and seized weapons during raids throughout the West Bank on Tuesday night, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said on Wednesday morning.
Four lathes for producing weapons like Carlo submachine guns were confiscated by the Israel Defense Forces, Shin Bet, and Israel Border Police in Hebron, along with a few dozen 9mm cartridges, AR-15 type rifle parts, an old hunting rifle, and Hamas paraphernalia.
Two people were arrested along with the weapons manufactory. Eleven other people were arrested in Qalqilya, Tubas, Nablus, Beit Duqqu, Beit Ummar, Shuyukh Al'arrub, and Dheisha. Military equipment and three weapons were seized in Tubas, and in Beit Ummar two Carlos were confiscated.
Rioters and gunmen engaged with soldiers at these sites, but no casualties were suffered by the IDF. In Qalqilya soldiers encountered gunfire, thrown explosives, and rock throwing. Stones were also thrown at troops in Shuyukh Al'arrub and Nablus.
The IDF has conducted sweeping raids and operations against terrorist infrastructure during the High Holy Days. On Saturday night, security forces destroyed a terrorist command center and explosives arsenal in Nur Shams.
Alert throughout the Jewish holidays
Israel Police have been operating at a high level of alertness during the holiday season, and on Wednesday said that they were preparing for Sukkot, which starts on Friday night. Police presence will be heavy during prayer services at the Kotel on Monday and next Wednesday. A march is also expected on Wednesday, to which hundreds of police will be deployed.
The security tensions have also continued along the Gaza border, with riots continuing for a 12th day. Terrorist groups have been launching incendiary balloons during the violence, sparking fires in Israeli territory. Two fires were started in the Be'eri forest on Wednesday, suspected to be started by arson attacks. The forest has been the site of several incendiary balloon fires.
National Unity MK Benny Gantz called to stop the arson attacks at a memorial ceremony for Colonel. Nabiya Meri on Wednesday.
"If Hamas thinks that the way to advance civil policy is to burn fields and terrorize the area, the result should be and will be completely the opposite," said Gantz.