"A Hamas plan to kidnap Israelis in the West Bank during the Hanukah holiday was thwarted by Israeli security forces, the Shin Bet said Wednesday.
A joint operation by the Shin Bet, IDF and Israel Police exposed a Hamas terror cell from the village of Tell near Nablus that planned to abduct a soldier or a settler from one of the bus stops at the Samaria region's main junctions. The abducted Israeli was to be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations for prison release with Israel.
In its investigation, the Shin Bet learned the cell members conducted observations at major junctions, main roads and bus stops in the area to gather intelligence for the planned attack. The cell leader also made inquiries about possible safe houses in the Nablus area to hide their hostage.
The plan was for cell members to disguise themselves as local Jewish residents and entice a victim to enter their vehicle.
The Shin Bet seized weapons the cell members planned to use to carry out the kidnapping, including a handgun, an electric shocker and pepper spray. The cell members also allegedly planned to acquire more weapons..."